Eastern Coralsnake

Range

The Micrurus Fulvius has a scattered range in the southern Coastal Plain of the United States into northeastern Mexico. The range begins from southeastern North Carolina, south to South Carolina, south into most of Florida, west into Georgia, Alabama and southeastern Louisiana.

Habitats

These snakes are difficult to find even in their habitat. But this may be because they spend a lot of time underground. Unlike many other snakes, this species is not arboreal and can only be selectively seen crawling above ground. The snakes lay about six or seven eggs in the beginning of summer and the young hatch by the end of the summer or early fall. Harlequin coral snakes feed mostly on lizards and other snakes including its own species. They also feed on birds, frogs, insects, and fish. They use venom to kill their prey.

Identification

This coral snake is venomous, slender and medium-sized (average length range of 18-30 inches). The scales are smooth and the anal plate is typically divided. The color pattern is one of red, white, or yellow and black bands. Typically wide red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings. The yellow and red bands are beside each other while its snout is black. The scaled have a smooth texture and occur in 15 rows across the body.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians