Texas Coral Snake (May 16, 2007) Conroe, Texas

Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius tener) Highly venomous, Capable of striking at objects within half the length of its body, though the normal strike is no more than 10-12 inches even for mature specimens.  BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS, DO NOT APPROACH THIS SNAKE; DECAPITATED SPECIMENS MAY REMAIN CAPABLE OF INFLICTING DEADLY BITES.  Unlike pit vipers, the Texas coral snake does not inject its venom in one rapid movement; instead, the teeth are pressed into the flesh, and the venom is pumped in as the snake exerts pressure on the bite; thus, the snake bites, then continues to maintain its grip for a period of time; it is, therefore, crucial to remove the snake from the bite as quickly as possible.

Photos courtesy of Kristy A.; text by Jerry Cates

The Texas coral snake is one of our most colorful snakes.  The photo below is of a section of a  Texas coral snake's body that was preserved after the snake was killed.  Note that the markings consist of bands that encircle the entire body laterally.  The photo does not show this, but the bands truly encircle the entire body, including the belly, and the only way one can distinguish the belly from the snake's back is to note (1) that the belly scales are like those of other snakes, only retaining the coloration of the sides and back, and (2) that many of the black markings in the red bands, which are numerous on the sides and back, are not present on the belly.

Some other snakes in Texas, all of which are non-poisonous, appear to have similar markings to the Texas coral snake.  However, in none of those species is the red touching the yellow.  Instead, on our non-poisonous snakes with red, yellow, and black markings, the black and red markings touch.  Thus the rhyme "Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack".

This snake was found in a back yard in Conroe, Texas.  It measured 36-42 inches in length, The typical Texas coral snake is no more than 2 feet long, though it isn't extraordinary to find one 36 inches long.  One longer than that, which this may have been, is rare.  The record is 47.25 inches, and was collected in Brazoria County in 1984.

Snake repellents are probably effective, when used according to label directions, at keeping this snake out of yards and other areas. I use such repellents where snakes have been sighted in the past with excellent results.

Many thanks to Kristy A., the photographer, for sending the photo and a report on this snake's discovery in her back yard.

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