Coral snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Coral snake |
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| Coral snake (Micrurus sp.) | |
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Coral snakes are a fascinating group of snakes known for their bright, eye-catching colors. They are part of a larger family called elapid snakes. These snakes are found all over the world and are divided into two main groups: Old World coral snakes and New World coral snakes.
There are 11 different types, or species, of Old World coral snakes. These are all found in one group, or genus, called Calliophis. For New World coral snakes, there are over 65 recognized species. They belong to three different genera: Leptomicrurus, Micruroides, and Micrurus.
Coral snakes are easy to spot because of their bright red, yellow or white, and black bands. Most of these snakes are quite small. In North America, they usually grow to about 3 feet (91 cm) long. However, some have been found to be as long as 5 feet (152 cm) or even a bit more. If a coral snake lives in water, it might have a flat tail that helps it swim like a fin.
Like all elapid snakes, coral snakes have a pair of small fangs. These fangs are hollow and deliver venom to their prey. Some coral snakes even have their fangs located further back in their mouth. They mostly eat smaller snakes, lizards, frogs, and baby birds or rodents. The venom they use takes some time to fully affect their prey.
When a coral snake bites, it often holds onto its victim. This is different from vipers, which have fangs that can fold back. Vipers usually strike quickly and then let go right away. Coral snakes are generally not aggressive and don't bite often. In fact, they cause less than one percent of all snake bites each year in the United States.
Where Do Coral Snakes Live?
New World coral snakes live in the southern parts of many U.S. states. You can find them in the southern coastal areas from North Carolina all the way to Louisiana. They are also found throughout all of Florida.
There is some discussion about whether the Texas coral snake is a separate species. Its home is in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. This area is separated from the eastern coral snake's home by the Mississippi River. While most coral snakes live in the southeastern United States, some have been seen as far north as Kentucky.
The Arizona coral snake is a different type of coral snake. It lives in central and southern Arizona, the very southwest part of New Mexico, and south into Sinaloa in western Mexico. These snakes prefer dry areas like thornscrub, desert-scrub, woodland, grassland, and even farmland. They can be found in flat plains and on lower mountain slopes, from sea level up to about 5,800 feet (1,768 meters) high. They often like rocky places.
Images for kids
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Coral snake showing typically reclusive behavior of hiding under rotting wood. This one was over 30 inches (76 cm) long, but less than 1 inch (25 mm) across.
See also
In Spanish: Serpiente de coral para niños
