Coral Snake vs. King Snake Identification and Traits

The vibrant coral snake has potent venom. New World coral snakes — native to North, Central and South America (like the eastern coral snake found in the U.S., for example) — have a distinct color pattern: bright red bands, yellow bands and black rings that alternate along their body.

The old rhyme, "red touch yellow, kill a fellow," is a handy way to remember that a coral snake's yellow bands are right next to the red bands — a warning of danger. (However, it's important to note that this saying does not apply to all snakes.)

Diet and Bites

Coral snakes deliver their toxins through small but effective fangs. When a coral snake bites, it uses a powerful neurotoxin that can paralyze its prey, affecting the nervous system and quickly shutting down vital functions.

They typically feed on small snakes, lizards and frogs. Though coral snake bites are rare in humans due to the snake's reclusive nature, bites require immediate medical attention if they do happen.

Habitat

Coral snakes live in various habitats, from sandy areas in the southeastern United States to tropical forests in Central and South America. You can find the eastern coral snake in places like southern Florida. Other New World coral snakes roam Central America and Mexico.

There are also Old World coral snakes in Asia and Africa, but they belong to a different group.

King snakes are nonvenomous but they bear a striking resemblance to the coral snake. Scarlet king snakes, in particular, look like coral snakes with their red, black and yellow bands. But black bands separate red and yellow bands.

Hunting Patterns

King snakes are constrictors, which means they kill their prey by wrapping around it and squeezing tightly until the animal can no longer breathe. While they eat small snakes, lizards and rodents, they can kill and eat venomous snakes, including coral snakes.

Their resistance to venom makes them a top predator in the snake world, earning them the name "king" snakes.

Habitat and Reproduction

These adaptable snakes live across North America, thriving in forests, grasslands and even deserts. There are many different king snake species, such as the scarlet king snake that inhabits the southeastern U.S., and the California king snake, which lives out west.

They lay eggs, which hatch into small replicas of the adults, ready to start hunting and mimicking other venomous snakes from a young age.

Here are a few differences between these critters.

1. Venom

Coral snakes are venomous, while king snakes are not. If you're ever in doubt, check their color patterns closely. Coral snakes have yellow bands touching red bands, while king snakes have red bands touching black.

2. Predation

Coral snakes use venom to paralyze their victims, while king snakes use constriction to suffocate them. Their diets overlap a bit since both species eat small snakes and lizards, but king snakes have the added ability to prey on venomous snakes, including coral snakes, thanks to their resistance to venom.

3. Environment

Coral snakes are a bit more reclusive and live in more tropical or warm environments like southern Florida, while king snakes have a wider range and live across North America.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.