A number of similarly colored species of nonvenomous snakes, such as the colubrid scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea) mimic that of the Eastern coral snake, giving rise to the folk rhyme: “Red touches black, friend of Jack, red touches yellow, kill a fellow.” The sea snakes are venomous...
Coral snake, any of more than 100 species of small, secretive, and brightly patterned venomous snakes of the cobra family (Elapidae). Most species are tricolored (rarely bicolored), with various combinations of red, black, and yellow or white rings. All
Because of the coral snake's dangerous reputation, many nonpoisonous snakes disguise themselves as coral snakes by having similar body patterns. For example, Viernum said, the nonvenomous shovel-nosed snakehas yellow bands that touch black bands. Also, “Scarletkingsnakeslook very similar to Easter...
This rhyme is based upon the colors of the coral snake. The scales on the back of a coral snake are red and black, with yellow bands. Hence, red touching yellow will kill a fellow. Both the scarlet kingsnake and Florida scarlet snake, however, have black bands. This explains why red t...