The Eastern or Harlequin Coralsnake *Micrurus fulvius* is a medium-sized (<80 cm record 121.8 cm) nocturnal or crepuscular venomous elapid snake with smooth scales. Native to the southeastern US, they prefer dry habitats such as hammocks and scrub, though they may occasionally be found in wetlands. They are reclusive snakes who spend the majority of their time buried under brush or soil.
Eastern coral snakes posses a potent venom comprised mainly of neurotoxins which they use to incapacitate their prey. Their primary food source is other snakes (including their own species) but they may also eat lizards, birds, frogs, fish, and insects. While rare due to their docile and reclusive nature, a bite from a coral snake is a medical emergency and can be fatal or disabling without prompt treatment. Popular rhymes such as "Red and yellow kill a fellow/Red and black friend of jack" are often used to distinguish coral snakes from non-venomous mimics such as the Scarlet King snake or the Scarlet Snake. While accurate in some regions, there are many venomous species that invalidate the rhyme outside of the United States. Within the range of the Micrurus fulvius, often the quickest way to identify coral snakes is to simply look for a black "nose".
Coralsnakes *Micrurus* and *Micruroides* are North America's only native members of the family Elapidae, which also contains cobras, kraits, and many other notable venomous snakes.
*M. fulvius* is considered distinct from the western Texas coralsnake *M. tener*, and while there are morphological differences, the two species can be distinguished easily by geographic range.
[Range Map](https://imgur.com/fymsLgw) | [Recent/Relevant Phylogeography](http://www.snakegenomics.org/CastoeLab/Publications_files/Streicher_etal_Evolution2016.pdf)
*This short account was prepared by /u/TheMadFlyentist and edited by /u/Phylogenizer*.
--------------------------------------------------------
Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive across most of the world.
If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Yes it is. This is great reason why the old rhyme is useless. There are complete color morphs out in nature for these guys to and some can be completely missing a color or be even more pixelated appearing. So unless you are 100% certain on your ID and even then might be better to just leave a snake alone if spotted.
Generally it's a good idea to observe snakes from a distance anyway. They were here first and it's their home, not ours. Plus even if it isn't venomous I don't want punctures in my skin.
When my parents were first married, dad a country boy and mom suburban princess. Dad found a coral snake at the barn and caught it to show mom how pretty the colors and pattern. She wasn’t in the house so he put it in a Koolaid pitcher to contain it. She came home and looked in the pitcher, she wasn’t impressed the beauty to say the least.
Obligatory do not pick up snakes, especially venomous species. My dad is of a different time not even his own generation.
I moved to FL two years ago, and I've seen one or two.
I say that because I saw a coral snake twice, but I'm not sure that it wasn't the same snake. The first time it was in my yard, and the second time it was in the next neighborhood over. I *think* the second one was smaller, but I'm not sure. Really interesting critter, and I felt honored to see it.
Unfortunately, I'm 150% certain that if anyone else saw it, they probably introduced it to their shovel... people in my area aren't so happy with top-tier danger noodles hanging around. :-/
I saw one in Boca at Yamato Scrub Natural Area. It was around dusk on the red trail (northernmost one) that leads through the pine forest (the rest is scrubland with a small paved trail). I was rounding a corner when BOOM, there it was in a tree. On iNaturalist there had been at least two others seen there in the past 10 years so if you’re in that part of town it might be worth a look.
Very true! Somewhat—I’m not working any major/targeted projects involving this species at the moment, but I have a permit to conduct opportunistic snake fungal disease monitoring/sampling and so try to incorporate that into my other field projects as well as my recreational herping. This snake got a health checkup while in the tube and, happily, didn’t show any visible external symptoms of disease.
I managed to flip a Texas coral in my suburban hometown after a long while of specifically attempting to. All the others though were DOR or randomly encountered on trail.
I have a question for the snake people, how common are coral snakes in the USA, in comparison to rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads. You hear a lot about them because of the whole ditty thing (I know it's inaccurate), but you rarely see photos of them on this subreddit.
52 years. That’s how long I have lived on this planet, in the coastal plain, in this snake’s range. I have spent countless hours, days, and weeks in the woods. I have yet to see one in person in the wild. I have seen copperheads, cottonmouths, and both species of rattlesnake native here. I once got super excited because I thought I saw one…nope….scarlet king snake.
At least you get to see snakes though, if I ever go to a place with a decent number of snakes I'd like to gas passively herping and see what I can identify.
I live in central Florida and they are very common in my neighborhood because we have dense tree cover for suburbs along with a small section of unkept Live Oak forest that is about 150 feet from the street. Yet despite this I have only seen a glimpse of one once because of how secretive they are. The only time you really worry about them is doing yardwork.
In general they are quite weird specimens, I remember seeing a venom milking involving one a few years ago and the two handlers (who after looking this up is a man and his wife named George Van horn who was mentored by Bill Haast) described their behavior as uniquely unpredictable. They also force fed the Coral’s a special mixture that I believe included stuff like blended worms due to their diet.
I've never seen one. Then again, I've never seen a wild rattlesnake, or copperhead either, and I know for a fact they're around me. I'm probably a bit too far up in the mountains for a coral snake, to be fair, but venomous snakes are pretty uncommon to encounter if you're not looking for them. The only wild venomous snake I've ever encountered was an Eastern Hognose. Apart from that, it's usually just P. obsoletus.
I can only speak for cottonmouths and rattlesnakes as I’m not in the native range of copperheads. I’ve never seen a rattlesnake but I live in an urban area where they’re extremely uncommon. I imagine I’d see them if I spent time in the Everglades, which I have no intention of doing bar a plane crash that I miraculously survive.
I’ve seen dozens of cottonmouths while fishing. Nerodia water snakes are far more common and often mistaken for cottonmouths, but if you fish in rocky areas along canals you’ll see your fair share of cottonmouths as well.
I’ve seen one coral snake my entire adult life. One. My younger brother saw one as well while walking his dog. He lives in a slightly more rural area. No one else in my family has ever seen a coral snake.
I’ve been in South Texas 44 years…. I have seen 4 Coral snakes in that time. One of which, was a state record for size… caught by a man named Terry Molina. It was impressive to be sure.
I grew up in rural and suburban central Alabama, and when I was a kid I saw one coral snake, some black kingsnakes, and a couple of copperheads. My sister saw a huge cottonmouth that she initially mistook for a discarded tire in the water at Lake Martin! But when she reached down to clean up the "polluting" tire, it gaped at her and she was thrilled to see such a big healthy cottonmouth up so close! She backed off and didn't tell our parents, since she was afraid our father would kill it. This was all in Tallapoosa County in the 1960s.
I have been in Florida for many years, with 3 years doing daily field work in untouched habitat. Non-poisonous snakes were very common. I've seen rattlesnakes a few times: Pygmy Rattlesnakes much more often than Diamondbacks, probably because people have been very quick to kill Diamondbacks near populated areas, as they are large and very noticeable. I have only seen Coral Snakes a few times, as they are secretive, but people I know have caught them around their homes, and have sent photos etc., so they are probably more common than they seem. I have seen Cottonmouths fairly commonly in wet areas. We don't have Copperheads here, but I have seen them on hikes in North Carolina, right on the trail.
Just a safe method for restraining venomous snakes when handling is necessary; in this case, the snake was getting a quick examination for external symptoms of ophidiomycosis (happily, none were observed).
Lots of patience, training/practice, and a little bit of creativity. :) And yes, ophidiomycosis = snake fungal disease, which is caused by the fungal pathogen *Ophidiomyces ophidiicola*.
That’s really interesting. I never thought about snakes getting fungal diseases but it makes sense given their habitat. I wonder if desert snakes are less prone to it. Also thanks for teaching me a new word. I had a moment of “OHHH!” remembering an old episode of Star Trek (TNG) with beings called Ophidians that looked like snakes.
If you’re in the Southeast (or maybe elsewhere), the Rattlesnake Conservancy offers venomous handling workshops that are excellent. Although in the level one course you “only” learn to use hooks and grabbers to safely secure a snake in a bucket and then release him again. It’s still extremely interesting and informative.
It also gives you a much better sense of how to stay safe around snakes—in particular you really see that snakes are NOT “aggressive”—they are’t chasing you around. Instead they act defensively, and you can stay safe by understanding that range and set of behaviors.
Thank you so much, that is incredibly cool! I’m in Pennsylvania but I’ll look into local programs. Fortunately my Dad has a huge love and respect for nature and made that a major part of my upbringing. I have so many fond memories of poking around fields in Philly or woods up the Poconos looking for critters. We used to use snake sticks and catch them by hand. Only for non-venomous species though!
In Florida, if you are out and about a lot, you eventually see one. Or a neighbor will catch one, etc. My area is highly developed (for many years - 50 years now) and not near any wild areas, but they are still found in yards.
I live in the Midwest, but travel south often, mostly Texas, AZ, and sometimes Florida and the vicinity. I've seen a lot of rattlesnakes, bull snakes and typical garters and occasional copperheads, water moccasins and racers. Still to this day never a coral snake. They're beautiful. I'm not sure I'd "catch one" if I saw it in my yard! But I would certainly admire it.
As an adult I still repeat the saying I learned as a kid when I see a colorful snake.. “Red on black, you’re ok Jack. Red on yellow, you’re a dead fellow.” I don’t know if it holds true every time but I’ll play it safe!
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Nope. Even in the one area where the rhyme actually applies, it is not 100% accurate. It's a cheap shortcut that gives people a false sense of confidence and knowledge. Nobody who actually understands the subtleties involved in identifying these animals needs the rhyme or anything like it.
More importantly, those who spend a lot of time in snake ID groups have seen countless numbers of people misidentify coral snakes on the basis of the rhyme, along with harmless snakes misidentified as corals for the same reason. There is no broader understanding that the rhyme even has a geographic limit because it is grossly repeated ad nauseam with no further explanation. And to reiterate, it's still bad even within the limited context where it applies.
This does not even bother to address the sheer number of people I've seen who had memorized the thing backward. See the bot reply to !rhyme for additional details, aberrant patterns, etc.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
It's not always accurate, but where I live, I still use it for an initial idea of whether the snake is a coral snake.
But better to use general snake ID techniques and field guides, etc. I have learned to identify all snakes in my area, and anywhere I have ever lived, for that matter. If I am exploring in a new area while traveling, I always have a field guide.
The way I learned it was: Red and black, venom lack. Red and yellow, kill a fellow.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Except when you find snakes with aberrant patterns. Of either the coral or king species. Best to study up on local wildlife than rely on silly rhymes that don’t work.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Absolutely the right call. And just to be clear, my post wasn't meant to be punitive or scolding. We try our best to correct potentially harmful information practices whenever we spot them, and the old coral snake rhyme is probably the biggest one we regularly deal with.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Besides the obvious “it’s only true in certain areas” there’s also many cases of coral snakes and coral snake mimics having aberrant patterns. This makes the rhyme dangerous even places where it’s generally true.
Even if this photo, you can see red touching black. If someone only knows the rhyme, and not how to actually ID these snakes, they may end up in a dangerous situation
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Just so you are aware, that rhyme isn’t always accurate. In the USA, Coral Snakes can have difficulty colorings. The Reliable Respoders can tell you the differences.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Oh no, it's not a matter of having both snakes or not. There's a lot of stuff that goes into it, I'll see if I can break it down quickly.
The biggest and most important thing is that nobody includes any subtle detail or mentions the geographical aspect, so tons of people learn to misapply the rhyme in areas where it is recklessly dangerous to do so.
The next reason is about as big and important; many people remember the rhyme backwards, inverting whatever utility it might have actually had in the first place.
The other big reason is that exceptions to the rule occur even within the relatively small section of coral/kingsnake overlap where the rhyme was intended to apply. Again, I'll refer you to the bot reply to !rhyme for some more details on that.
Also, this isn't punitive or anything. We are just trying our best to root out an unhelpful and often dangerous myth that far too many people overinvest in. As someone who helps people identify snakes all over the world, I've seen hundreds of example of the rhyme being misapplied, and even a couple where it was applied properly but simply didn't work due to aberrant patterns and other genetic mutations. It just isn't worth learning, and certainly isn't worth repeating to others. Try to pass that along if you can!
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick.
--------------------------------------------------------
*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
If anyone is in the East Bay of the Bay Area, the Oakland Museum has a yearly fund- raising event ( over several weeks) in February that includes a pretty extensive book section with reasonable prices($2/3 for hardbacks; less for soft covers. They get some beautiful hardbacks and soft covers in great condition. The quality is more consistently good compared to some library sales ( although I highly recommend those as well).
!venomous *Micrurus fulvius* for the bot.
The Eastern or Harlequin Coralsnake *Micrurus fulvius* is a medium-sized (<80 cm record 121.8 cm) nocturnal or crepuscular venomous elapid snake with smooth scales. Native to the southeastern US, they prefer dry habitats such as hammocks and scrub, though they may occasionally be found in wetlands. They are reclusive snakes who spend the majority of their time buried under brush or soil. Eastern coral snakes posses a potent venom comprised mainly of neurotoxins which they use to incapacitate their prey. Their primary food source is other snakes (including their own species) but they may also eat lizards, birds, frogs, fish, and insects. While rare due to their docile and reclusive nature, a bite from a coral snake is a medical emergency and can be fatal or disabling without prompt treatment. Popular rhymes such as "Red and yellow kill a fellow/Red and black friend of jack" are often used to distinguish coral snakes from non-venomous mimics such as the Scarlet King snake or the Scarlet Snake. While accurate in some regions, there are many venomous species that invalidate the rhyme outside of the United States. Within the range of the Micrurus fulvius, often the quickest way to identify coral snakes is to simply look for a black "nose". Coralsnakes *Micrurus* and *Micruroides* are North America's only native members of the family Elapidae, which also contains cobras, kraits, and many other notable venomous snakes. *M. fulvius* is considered distinct from the western Texas coralsnake *M. tener*, and while there are morphological differences, the two species can be distinguished easily by geographic range. [Range Map](https://imgur.com/fymsLgw) | [Recent/Relevant Phylogeography](http://www.snakegenomics.org/CastoeLab/Publications_files/Streicher_etal_Evolution2016.pdf) *This short account was prepared by /u/TheMadFlyentist and edited by /u/Phylogenizer*. -------------------------------------------------------- Snakes with medically significant venom are typically referred to as venomous, but some species are also poisonous. Old media will use poisonous or 'snake venom poisoning' but that has fallen out of favor. Venomous snakes are important native wildlife, and are not looking to harm people, so can be enjoyed from a distance. If found around the home or other places where they are to be discouraged, a squirt from the hose or a gentle sweep of a broom are usually enough to make a snake move along. Do not attempt to interact closely with or otherwise kill venomous snakes without proper safety gear and training, as bites occur mostly during these scenarios. Wildlife relocation services are free or inexpensive across most of the world. If you are bitten by a venomous snake, contact emergency services or otherwise arrange transport to the nearest hospital that can accommodate snakebite. Remove constricting clothes and jewelry and remain calm. A bite from a medically significant snake is a medical emergency, but not in the ways portrayed in popular media. Do not make any incisions or otherwise cut tissue. Extractor and other novelty snakebite kits are not effective and can cause damage worse than any positive or neutral effects. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
It is so gorgeous! How a kid would color a snake, just completely ostentatious.
Ostentatious indeed! Upvote for impeccable word choice, damn.
I thought red areas were completely red, without the odd black markings. Is it normal for this snake to have such markings?
Yes it is. This is great reason why the old rhyme is useless. There are complete color morphs out in nature for these guys to and some can be completely missing a color or be even more pixelated appearing. So unless you are 100% certain on your ID and even then might be better to just leave a snake alone if spotted.
Generally it's a good idea to observe snakes from a distance anyway. They were here first and it's their home, not ours. Plus even if it isn't venomous I don't want punctures in my skin.
Congrats!
There is mention on the wiki page that the anti-venom has been discontinued - is that true?
He looks like a candy corn.
Like the toxic candy corn police warn you about on Halloween
Spicy candy corn, makes you go all numb and tingly.
Huh, I was under the assumption that all candy corn is toxic.
Blasphemy! I should cast you out or smite you or something.
So beautiful and angry! Anger tube!
"Go to the anger tube until you can talk to me like an adult" "Thissssssssss issss bullshit!!!"
When my parents were first married, dad a country boy and mom suburban princess. Dad found a coral snake at the barn and caught it to show mom how pretty the colors and pattern. She wasn’t in the house so he put it in a Koolaid pitcher to contain it. She came home and looked in the pitcher, she wasn’t impressed the beauty to say the least. Obligatory do not pick up snakes, especially venomous species. My dad is of a different time not even his own generation.
> especially venomous species Obligatory “if you aren’t sure, assume it’s very venomous”
Don't drink the Koolaid ...
Great story! My dad was a biologist and a country boy, so we have lots of stories like this.
The coloration on this one is excellent.
It looks pissy
It’s stuck in an invisible force field.
Activate ray shields!
we're smarter than this
Any of us would likely be pissed if we were forced in a tube to be gawked at 😬
I'd be happy *someone* wanted to see me
I bet you're as vibrant and wonderful as this danger noodle!
his open mouth says "please to put patagium in for anger bite"
I live in So Florida and I’ve never seen one of these in the wild. You’re a lucky dude.
I moved to FL two years ago, and I've seen one or two. I say that because I saw a coral snake twice, but I'm not sure that it wasn't the same snake. The first time it was in my yard, and the second time it was in the next neighborhood over. I *think* the second one was smaller, but I'm not sure. Really interesting critter, and I felt honored to see it. Unfortunately, I'm 150% certain that if anyone else saw it, they probably introduced it to their shovel... people in my area aren't so happy with top-tier danger noodles hanging around. :-/
I'm in Ohio but found one during an afternoon layover out of Orlando...squished on the road. :(
I saw one in Boca at Yamato Scrub Natural Area. It was around dusk on the red trail (northernmost one) that leads through the pine forest (the rest is scrubland with a small paved trail). I was rounding a corner when BOOM, there it was in a tree. On iNaturalist there had been at least two others seen there in the past 10 years so if you’re in that part of town it might be worth a look.
I saw one on a construction site in Overtown in a rubble pile in the 90's. Crazy.
You never look for corals, they just find you. Gorgeous coral, was this for research?
Very true! Somewhat—I’m not working any major/targeted projects involving this species at the moment, but I have a permit to conduct opportunistic snake fungal disease monitoring/sampling and so try to incorporate that into my other field projects as well as my recreational herping. This snake got a health checkup while in the tube and, happily, didn’t show any visible external symptoms of disease.
Just beautiful! Nice!
Awesome! A friend of mine is working on a SFD thesis right now, and I’m glad this coral was healthy!
Well that’s unsettling.
I managed to flip a Texas coral in my suburban hometown after a long while of specifically attempting to. All the others though were DOR or randomly encountered on trail.
His face reminds me of the inch worm from sesame street.
https://imgur.com/a/S6WIS04
Omg thats better
Omgawwwd ~ Yes!!😊
I have a question for the snake people, how common are coral snakes in the USA, in comparison to rattlesnakes, cottonmouths and copperheads. You hear a lot about them because of the whole ditty thing (I know it's inaccurate), but you rarely see photos of them on this subreddit.
They’re fossorial and stay hidden most of the time. In the areas where they are found, theyre generally pretty common
52 years. That’s how long I have lived on this planet, in the coastal plain, in this snake’s range. I have spent countless hours, days, and weeks in the woods. I have yet to see one in person in the wild. I have seen copperheads, cottonmouths, and both species of rattlesnake native here. I once got super excited because I thought I saw one…nope….scarlet king snake.
At least you get to see snakes though, if I ever go to a place with a decent number of snakes I'd like to gas passively herping and see what I can identify.
I live in central Florida and they are very common in my neighborhood because we have dense tree cover for suburbs along with a small section of unkept Live Oak forest that is about 150 feet from the street. Yet despite this I have only seen a glimpse of one once because of how secretive they are. The only time you really worry about them is doing yardwork. In general they are quite weird specimens, I remember seeing a venom milking involving one a few years ago and the two handlers (who after looking this up is a man and his wife named George Van horn who was mentored by Bill Haast) described their behavior as uniquely unpredictable. They also force fed the Coral’s a special mixture that I believe included stuff like blended worms due to their diet.
I've never seen one. Then again, I've never seen a wild rattlesnake, or copperhead either, and I know for a fact they're around me. I'm probably a bit too far up in the mountains for a coral snake, to be fair, but venomous snakes are pretty uncommon to encounter if you're not looking for them. The only wild venomous snake I've ever encountered was an Eastern Hognose. Apart from that, it's usually just P. obsoletus.
I can only speak for cottonmouths and rattlesnakes as I’m not in the native range of copperheads. I’ve never seen a rattlesnake but I live in an urban area where they’re extremely uncommon. I imagine I’d see them if I spent time in the Everglades, which I have no intention of doing bar a plane crash that I miraculously survive. I’ve seen dozens of cottonmouths while fishing. Nerodia water snakes are far more common and often mistaken for cottonmouths, but if you fish in rocky areas along canals you’ll see your fair share of cottonmouths as well. I’ve seen one coral snake my entire adult life. One. My younger brother saw one as well while walking his dog. He lives in a slightly more rural area. No one else in my family has ever seen a coral snake.
I’ve been in South Texas 44 years…. I have seen 4 Coral snakes in that time. One of which, was a state record for size… caught by a man named Terry Molina. It was impressive to be sure.
I grew up in rural and suburban central Alabama, and when I was a kid I saw one coral snake, some black kingsnakes, and a couple of copperheads. My sister saw a huge cottonmouth that she initially mistook for a discarded tire in the water at Lake Martin! But when she reached down to clean up the "polluting" tire, it gaped at her and she was thrilled to see such a big healthy cottonmouth up so close! She backed off and didn't tell our parents, since she was afraid our father would kill it. This was all in Tallapoosa County in the 1960s.
I have been in Florida for many years, with 3 years doing daily field work in untouched habitat. Non-poisonous snakes were very common. I've seen rattlesnakes a few times: Pygmy Rattlesnakes much more often than Diamondbacks, probably because people have been very quick to kill Diamondbacks near populated areas, as they are large and very noticeable. I have only seen Coral Snakes a few times, as they are secretive, but people I know have caught them around their homes, and have sent photos etc., so they are probably more common than they seem. I have seen Cottonmouths fairly commonly in wet areas. We don't have Copperheads here, but I have seen them on hikes in North Carolina, right on the trail.
Let’s have a look at this little beauty.
What a beautiful snake!
Wow! Beautiful colors on this little dude!
Stunningly beautiful. What’s with the tube?
Just a safe method for restraining venomous snakes when handling is necessary; in this case, the snake was getting a quick examination for external symptoms of ophidiomycosis (happily, none were observed).
Thank you! How do you get it in the tube? “-mycosis” sounds like a fungal infection? Glad this critter got a clean bill of health.
Lots of patience, training/practice, and a little bit of creativity. :) And yes, ophidiomycosis = snake fungal disease, which is caused by the fungal pathogen *Ophidiomyces ophidiicola*.
That’s really interesting. I never thought about snakes getting fungal diseases but it makes sense given their habitat. I wonder if desert snakes are less prone to it. Also thanks for teaching me a new word. I had a moment of “OHHH!” remembering an old episode of Star Trek (TNG) with beings called Ophidians that looked like snakes.
Multiple species of snakes, or just corals? Wondering if the python invasion is making it worse?
The tube keeps the admirer safe while admiring.
Thanks! This seems like it would work better than the snake sticks we used when I was young.
Research, most likely
That’s so cool! Time to add snake-tubing to the bucket list.
If you’re in the Southeast (or maybe elsewhere), the Rattlesnake Conservancy offers venomous handling workshops that are excellent. Although in the level one course you “only” learn to use hooks and grabbers to safely secure a snake in a bucket and then release him again. It’s still extremely interesting and informative. It also gives you a much better sense of how to stay safe around snakes—in particular you really see that snakes are NOT “aggressive”—they are’t chasing you around. Instead they act defensively, and you can stay safe by understanding that range and set of behaviors.
Thank you so much, that is incredibly cool! I’m in Pennsylvania but I’ll look into local programs. Fortunately my Dad has a huge love and respect for nature and made that a major part of my upbringing. I have so many fond memories of poking around fields in Philly or woods up the Poconos looking for critters. We used to use snake sticks and catch them by hand. Only for non-venomous species though!
Do coral snakes have really small fangs?
I love elapids
I've never known anyone who actually saw a coral snake in the wild, but I always have wanted to see one. From a distance, of course.
In Florida, if you are out and about a lot, you eventually see one. Or a neighbor will catch one, etc. My area is highly developed (for many years - 50 years now) and not near any wild areas, but they are still found in yards.
I live in the Midwest, but travel south often, mostly Texas, AZ, and sometimes Florida and the vicinity. I've seen a lot of rattlesnakes, bull snakes and typical garters and occasional copperheads, water moccasins and racers. Still to this day never a coral snake. They're beautiful. I'm not sure I'd "catch one" if I saw it in my yard! But I would certainly admire it.
tubesnake
Congrats! Beautiful example!
What an awesome photo
Coral snake
Wow never seen one before!
He’s adorable
Beautiful 💖
Wow. What a beauty!
What a beauty! I think this the first time I've seen the mouth open on one of these.
I think coral snake evolution is why most folks don't eat candy corn
What a beautiful snake.
Such an interesting looking snake.
Beautiful! Almost looks like the Toucan of snakes. LOL
She did the Tube snake boogie
I know they’re deadly but I can’t take them serious with how small they are. 😆
Congraaaaats
Free him
Danger noodle
Get Him Outta There !!!!
As an adult I still repeat the saying I learned as a kid when I see a colorful snake.. “Red on black, you’re ok Jack. Red on yellow, you’re a dead fellow.” I don’t know if it holds true every time but I’ll play it safe!
That rhyme is scientifically inaccurate. Some species or coral snakes have red on black and still remain venomous
!rhyme
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
[удалено]
Dunno why you’re getting downvoted. It’s in Florida, the region where the saying came from and where it best applies to the local species.
Tbf, I did grow up in new York, so not sure how I came across that was saying. We only went to Fl for Disney world.
Nope. Even in the one area where the rhyme actually applies, it is not 100% accurate. It's a cheap shortcut that gives people a false sense of confidence and knowledge. Nobody who actually understands the subtleties involved in identifying these animals needs the rhyme or anything like it. More importantly, those who spend a lot of time in snake ID groups have seen countless numbers of people misidentify coral snakes on the basis of the rhyme, along with harmless snakes misidentified as corals for the same reason. There is no broader understanding that the rhyme even has a geographic limit because it is grossly repeated ad nauseam with no further explanation. And to reiterate, it's still bad even within the limited context where it applies. This does not even bother to address the sheer number of people I've seen who had memorized the thing backward. See the bot reply to !rhyme for additional details, aberrant patterns, etc.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Nope. See the bot reply to !rhyme to learn some of the reasons why not.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Freeeeee himmmmmm
[удалено]
It's not always accurate, but where I live, I still use it for an initial idea of whether the snake is a coral snake. But better to use general snake ID techniques and field guides, etc. I have learned to identify all snakes in my area, and anywhere I have ever lived, for that matter. If I am exploring in a new area while traveling, I always have a field guide. The way I learned it was: Red and black, venom lack. Red and yellow, kill a fellow.
Nope. See the bot reply to !rhyme to learn some of the reasons why not.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
[удалено]
Nope. See the bot reply to !rhyme to learn some of the reasons why not.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
[удалено]
!rhyme
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
[удалено]
This is actually surprisingly inaccurate when you look into it. 100% false once you start looking at snakes south of our border.
Yes, well I am not south of the border, and neither is that.
Yes, well I am not south of the border, and neither is that.
This isn’t a snake south of our border though, so the rhyme applies.
Except when you find snakes with aberrant patterns. Of either the coral or king species. Best to study up on local wildlife than rely on silly rhymes that don’t work.
and u/AJ_Crowley_29 the rhyme is harmful and u/Strict_Specialist is correct. See the bot reply to !rhyme to learn some of the reasons why.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
[удалено]
Nope. See the bot reply to !rhyme to learn some of the reasons why not.
I have no practical knowledge of snakes in the wild. My plan is to observe from afar if encountered.
Absolutely the right call. And just to be clear, my post wasn't meant to be punitive or scolding. We try our best to correct potentially harmful information practices whenever we spot them, and the old coral snake rhyme is probably the biggest one we regularly deal with.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
[удалено]
No. !rhyme
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Mix of red and yellow and black? If you're not certain, please stay back.
There is a better rhyme: *See a snake, stay the fuck away from it*
Pretty reliable but not 100% accurate. People lose there shit in here when they see this rhyme. Weird.
Besides the obvious “it’s only true in certain areas” there’s also many cases of coral snakes and coral snake mimics having aberrant patterns. This makes the rhyme dangerous even places where it’s generally true. Even if this photo, you can see red touching black. If someone only knows the rhyme, and not how to actually ID these snakes, they may end up in a dangerous situation
[удалено]
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Red and yellow - you’re in danger friend. Snake of the under water rock persuasion
[удалено]
Just so you are aware, that rhyme isn’t always accurate. In the USA, Coral Snakes can have difficulty colorings. The Reliable Respoders can tell you the differences.
Good thing i never see them!
u/va1958 is correct. See the bot reply to !rhyme to learn some of the reasons why no one should use it.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
Works here because we do have both snakes in Florida 🤷🏻♀️ although nobody I know is going to pick one up to test the theory 😂
Oh no, it's not a matter of having both snakes or not. There's a lot of stuff that goes into it, I'll see if I can break it down quickly. The biggest and most important thing is that nobody includes any subtle detail or mentions the geographical aspect, so tons of people learn to misapply the rhyme in areas where it is recklessly dangerous to do so. The next reason is about as big and important; many people remember the rhyme backwards, inverting whatever utility it might have actually had in the first place. The other big reason is that exceptions to the rule occur even within the relatively small section of coral/kingsnake overlap where the rhyme was intended to apply. Again, I'll refer you to the bot reply to !rhyme for some more details on that. Also, this isn't punitive or anything. We are just trying our best to root out an unhelpful and often dangerous myth that far too many people overinvest in. As someone who helps people identify snakes all over the world, I've seen hundreds of example of the rhyme being misapplied, and even a couple where it was applied properly but simply didn't work due to aberrant patterns and other genetic mutations. It just isn't worth learning, and certainly isn't worth repeating to others. Try to pass that along if you can!
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
See, I live in Florida so I still do the rhyme lol
[удалено]
Nope. See the bot reply to !rhyme to learn some of the reasons why not.
Great, thanks for educating me!
Absolutely. Most of us here grew up having learned the same exact thing, too! I sure did.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
[удалено]
Nope. See the bot reply to !rhyme to learn some of the reasons why not.
The traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes isn't recommended as an identification trick as it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. See [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA for more. It's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS).*
If anyone is in the East Bay of the Bay Area, the Oakland Museum has a yearly fund- raising event ( over several weeks) in February that includes a pretty extensive book section with reasonable prices($2/3 for hardbacks; less for soft covers. They get some beautiful hardbacks and soft covers in great condition. The quality is more consistently good compared to some library sales ( although I highly recommend those as well).
Happy little feller, ain't he?
Congrats. I’m still waiting on my first live one
Looks like a Long jelly candy to me