Eastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius · Elapidae
Also called: American Cobra, Harlequin Coralsnake
A relative of cobras with potent neurotoxic venom. Famous for the rhyme 'red touches yellow, kill a fellow' that separates it from harmless mimics.
What the Eastern Coral Snake looks like
How to identify it
- 1Red, yellow and black rings that fully encircle the body
- 2Red bands touch yellow bands (red-on-yellow)
- 3Black, blunt snout
- 4Slender body with a small, rounded head
Snakes it's confused with
Harmless mimic; red touches black (red-on-black, friend of Jack).
Behavior & danger to humans
Shy and reclusive; bites are rare but deliver neurotoxin that can cause respiratory failure with delayed symptoms.
⚠️ Danger: Neurotoxic and potentially lethal. Symptoms can be delayed for hours — seek care even if you feel fine.
Related snakes
VenomousEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
The largest venomous snake in North America and arguably the most dangerous. Its hemotoxic venom destroys tissue and blood cells, and a defensive bite is a medical emergency.
VenomousCopperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other US species, but its bite is rarely fatal. Excellent camouflage in leaf litter leads to surprise encounters.
VenomousCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A semi-aquatic pit viper named for the white interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a warning. The only venomous water snake in North America.
VenomousWestern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
The classic Western rattlesnake responsible for the most snakebite deaths in the US. Recognizable by the black-and-white 'coon tail' banding above the rattle.