# Eastern Coral Snake (*Micrurus fulvius*)

> The eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius) is a brightly banded elapid of the southeastern United States with potent neurotoxic venom and a secretive, burrowing lifestyle. It eats other snakes and lizards, averages about 0.7 m, and is listed Least Concern, though bites are medical emergencies.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/coral-snake/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Elapidae
- **Genus:** Micrurus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Micrurus fulvius |
| Diet | Carnivore (snakes and lizards) |
| Habitat | Pine woods, scrub, and sandy coastal habitats |
| Lifespan | Around 10 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.1 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 5 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Red touch yellow — elapid warning

Fixed front fangs and smooth, glossy bands of red, yellow, and black distinguish Micrurus from many harmless mimics. The rhyme "red touch yellow, kill a fellow" applies to this US species (not to all coral snakes worldwide). They are shy and seldom seen above ground.

## Snake-eating specialist

Primary prey are small snakes — including other venomous species — plus lizards. Coral snakes track prey into leaf litter and burrows rather than striking large mammals.

## Southeast coastal plain

Pine woods, scrub, and sandy coastal habitats from North Carolina through Florida and west to Texas. They favour loose soil for burrowing. Across its range it is tied to pine woods, scrub, and sandy coastal habitats, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Rare bites, serious venom

Least Concern and infrequently encountered, yet neurotoxic venom can paralyse breathing muscles. Antivenom and hospital care are essential after a confirmed bite; do not wait for symptoms to worsen.

## Frequently asked questions

### Is the coral snake rhyme accurate?

In the southeastern United States, "red touch yellow" usually indicates a venomous coral snake, but the rhyme fails for many coral snakes and mimics elsewhere in the Americas.

### What do eastern coral snakes eat?

Mostly other snakes and lizards hunted in leaf litter and burrows.

### Are coral snake bites common?

No — they are secretive and rarely bite people, but any bite needs urgent medical care.

### Do coral snakes rattle?

No. They may hide the head and thrash the tail in leaf litter, but they lack a rattle.

### Where do eastern coral snakes live?

Southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/coral-snake/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.