# Red Touch Yellow, Deadly Fellow? How to Tell a King Snake from a Coral Snake
Identifying snakes can be a daunting task, especially when encountering brightly colored reptiles that might pose a threat. Two snakes commonly confused in North America are the coral snake and the king snake. While both boast vibrant colors and cylindrical bodies, one is highly venomous, and the other is harmless to humans. Misidentification can lead to unnecessary fear or, worse, a dangerous encounter. This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently distinguish between these two snakes, primarily focusing on the color pattern rule but also incorporating other identifying features.
## Understanding the Stakes: Why Identification Matters
Coral snakes are elapids, a family of venomous snakes that includes cobras and mambas. Their venom is a potent neurotoxin that affects the nervous system, potentially causing paralysis and respiratory failure if left untreated. While coral snake bites are relatively rare due to their reclusive nature and reluctance to bite, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial if bitten.
King snakes, on the other hand, are non-venomous constrictors. They kill their prey by squeezing them until they suffocate. King snakes are beneficial to the ecosystem, as they help control populations of rodents, insects, and even other snakes, including venomous ones like copperheads and rattlesnakes.
Accurate identification allows you to react appropriately. Knowing the snake is a harmless king snake allows you to observe it from a safe distance and appreciate its role in the environment. Mistaking a king snake for a coral snake can cause unnecessary fear and potentially lead to harming a beneficial creature. Conversely, misidentifying a coral snake as a king snake can lead to a dangerous encounter.
## The Rhyme: A Helpful, but Imperfect, Mnemonic
The most well-known method for distinguishing between coral snakes and king snakes is a rhyme:
* **”Red touch yellow, deadly fellow; Red touch black, friend of Jack.”**
This rhyme refers to the color pattern of the snake. Coral snakes typically have red bands touching yellow bands, while king snakes have red bands touching black bands.
**However, it’s crucial to understand that this rhyme is only accurate in specific regions of North America.** It primarily applies to the Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) and the Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus tener) found in the southeastern and south-central United States.
**Why the Rhyme Isn’t Universal:**
* **Regional Variations:** The rhyme does *not* apply to coral snake species found outside of North America, such as those in Central and South America. Different species have different color patterns.
* **Color Aberrations:** Occasionally, snakes may exhibit color variations or aberrations, making the rhyme unreliable.
* **Imitation:** Some king snake species, particularly the scarlet king snake, are excellent mimics of coral snakes. They have evolved to resemble coral snakes to deter predators. This mimicry can confuse even experienced observers.
**Therefore, while the rhyme can be a helpful starting point, it should *never* be the sole basis for identification. Always consider other identifying features and, when in doubt, err on the side of caution and assume the snake is venomous.**
## Step-by-Step Identification Guide: Beyond the Rhyme
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify coral snakes and king snakes, incorporating color patterns, head shape, and other key characteristics:
**Step 1: Determine Your Location**
Knowing your geographic location is crucial. The accuracy of the “red touch yellow” rhyme is limited to specific regions. If you are outside the southeastern or south-central United States, the rhyme is unreliable and should not be used.
**Step 2: Observe the Color Pattern (If in the Correct Region)**
* **Coral Snake:** Look for a pattern where red bands are directly adjacent to yellow bands. The sequence is typically red-yellow-black-yellow-red. Remember that the yellow bands may appear cream or white depending on the individual snake.
* **King Snake:** Look for a pattern where red bands are directly adjacent to black bands. The sequence is typically red-black-yellow/white-black-red.
**Step 3: Examine the Head Shape**
* **Coral Snake:** Coral snakes have round, blunt heads that are similar in width to their bodies. Their heads are not distinctly wider than their necks. This feature can be subtle but is a helpful clue.
* **King Snake:** King snakes have slightly more defined heads, although the difference may not be dramatic. Their heads may be slightly wider than their necks.
**Step 4: Observe the Eye Pupils**
* **Coral Snake:** Coral snakes have round pupils, similar to those of most non-venomous snakes.
* **King Snake:** King snakes also have round pupils. *Pupil shape is not a reliable distinguishing characteristic between these two snakes.*
**Step 5: Note the Presence of a Black Snout (Important!)**
* **Coral Snake:** Coral snakes typically have a *black snout*. This is a critical identifying feature. The black coloration extends from the nose to the eyes.
* **King Snake:** King snakes typically have a red, orange, or yellow snout, depending on the species and geographic location. *The absence of a black snout strongly suggests the snake is not a coral snake.*
**Step 6: Consider the Size and Build**
* **Coral Snake:** Coral snakes are relatively slender snakes, typically reaching lengths of 20-30 inches, although some individuals can grow larger.
* **King Snake:** King snakes are generally larger and more robust than coral snakes. They can reach lengths of 3-6 feet, depending on the species.
**Step 7: Observe the Snake’s Behavior**
* **Coral Snake:** Coral snakes are typically secretive and spend much of their time underground or hidden in leaf litter. They are not aggressive and will usually try to escape if disturbed.
* **King Snake:** King snakes are more active and can be found in a wider range of habitats. They are known for their ability to constrict prey.
**Step 8: Look for Complete Bands**
* **Coral Snake:** In a coral snake, the colored bands typically encircle the entire body. The pattern is consistent all the way around.
* **King Snake:** While king snakes also have bands, the pattern may sometimes be broken or incomplete, especially on the belly. This isn’t a foolproof method, but it can sometimes provide a clue.
**Step 9: Consider the Anal Plate (Advanced)**
The anal plate is the scale that covers the cloaca (the opening for waste and reproduction) on the underside of the snake. This requires closer inspection, which should only be attempted from a safe distance or with photographs.
* **Coral Snake:** Coral snakes have a *divided* anal plate. This means the scale is split into two separate scales.
* **King Snake:** King snakes have a *single* anal plate.
**Important Note:** Examining the anal plate requires getting close to the snake, which is not recommended, especially if you are unsure of its identification. This characteristic is best used with photographs or by experienced herpetologists.
**Step 10: When in Doubt, Assume Venomous and Seek Expert Help**
The most important rule when identifying snakes is: **When in doubt, assume the snake is venomous and maintain a safe distance.** Do not attempt to handle or approach the snake.
If you are unsure about the identification of a snake, contact your local animal control, wildlife agency, or a qualified herpetologist (a reptile and amphibian expert). They can provide accurate identification and advice on how to proceed.
## Common King Snake Species and Their Mimicry
Several king snake species mimic coral snakes, making identification even more challenging. Here are some common examples:
* **Scarlet King Snake (Lampropeltis elapsoides):** This species is a particularly convincing mimic of the coral snake. It has red, black, and yellow bands, and in some regions, the pattern closely resembles that of the coral snake. Key identifiers are the red touching black, and *usually* a red or orange snout. However, variations exist, so caution is advised.
* **Eastern Black King Snake (Lampropeltis getula):** While not a direct mimic in terms of color, the Eastern Black King Snake is immune to the venom of copperheads, rattlesnakes, and coral snakes, often preying upon them. Its glossy black appearance distinguishes it from the brightly colored coral snake.
* **Speckled King Snake (Lampropeltis holbrooki):** This king snake features black and yellow speckles, offering a different camouflage compared to the banded patterns.
* **California King Snake (Lampropeltis californiae):** While many California King Snakes have black and white banding, some can exhibit reddish or brownish hues, making identification more complex depending on the individual.
## First Aid for Snake Bites
While coral snake bites are rare, it’s essential to know the basics of first aid:
1. **Stay Calm:** Panic can increase heart rate and spread venom faster.
2. **Call 911 or Your Local Emergency Number Immediately:** Time is critical.
3. **Remove Restrictive Clothing and Jewelry:** Swelling may occur.
4. **Immobilize the Affected Limb:** Keep it at or slightly below heart level.
5. **Clean the Wound:** Gently wash the bite area with soap and water.
6. **Do NOT Apply a Tourniquet:** Tourniquets can cause more harm than good.
7. **Do NOT Try to Suck Out the Venom:** This is ineffective and can introduce bacteria to the wound.
8. **Do NOT Apply Ice:** Ice can damage tissue.
9. **Try to Remember the Snake’s Appearance:** This can help medical professionals administer the correct antivenom. *However, do not risk further injury by trying to capture or kill the snake.*
**The most important step is to seek immediate medical attention. Antivenom is the primary treatment for coral snake bites and is most effective when administered promptly.**
## Debunking Myths About Snakes
Many misconceptions surround snakes, leading to unnecessary fear and persecution. Here are a few common myths debunked:
* **Myth:** All snakes are aggressive and will bite if approached.
* **Fact:** Most snakes are shy and will only bite if they feel threatened or provoked.
* **Myth:** You can always tell a venomous snake by its triangular head.
* **Fact:** While some venomous snakes have triangular heads, this is not a universal characteristic. Coral snakes, for example, have round heads.
* **Myth:** Snakes are slimy.
* **Fact:** Snakes have dry, smooth scales.
* **Myth:** Snakes can unhinge their jaws to swallow prey much larger than their heads.
* **Fact:** Snakes’ jaws are loosely connected by ligaments, allowing them to spread their jaws wide, but they do not completely unhinge.
## Conclusion: Knowledge is Key
Distinguishing between coral snakes and king snakes requires careful observation, knowledge of regional variations, and an understanding of the limitations of the “red touch yellow” rhyme. By combining the color pattern rule with other identifying features such as head shape, snout color, and behavior, you can significantly improve your ability to accurately identify these snakes.
Remember, when in doubt, always err on the side of caution and assume the snake is venomous. Maintain a safe distance and contact your local animal control or a qualified herpetologist for assistance. Education and awareness are the best tools for promoting safety and conservation in snake encounters. By understanding the differences between these snakes, you can appreciate their role in the ecosystem and avoid unnecessary fear or harm.