Texas Coral Snake

The Texas coral snake is found in southern United States including Texas, Louisiana west of the Mississippi river, and Arkansas. .

Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus tener)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: commonly known as the Texas Coral Snake

Distinguishing Features

The Texas Coral Snake has red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings with rings completely encircling the body. It is similar in appearance to the Eastern Coral Snake. The head is rounded with a black snout. Albino snakes (lacking black pigment) and anerythristic snakes (lacking red pigment) have been found in the wild. It is a shy and secretive snake and mainly nocturnal. (The pattern is similar to some of the non-venomous Kingsnake - Coral Snakes have red and yellow bands next to each other, but Kingsnakes have a black band separating the red and yellow. ) It is usually about 60cm, but can grow to 100cm. Diet consist of other smaller snakes (including venomous snakes), and lizards.

Geographical Range

The Texas Coral Snake is found in southern United States including Texas, Louisiana west of the Mississippi river, and Arkansas. Also found in Mexico in the states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi, Guanajuato, Queretaro to Morelos.

Habitat

Habitats include lowland areas, rocky hillsides, wooded canyons, subtropical forests, urban areas. Prefers soft soil with organic matter such as leaf litter, fallen twigs and branches.

Life History

During June or July, females lay a clutch of 2 to 12 eggs in loose soil or rotten log. The young hatch about two months later, and are about 22cm long.

Comments

The Texas Coral Snake is venomous and capable of giving a fatal bite, although no fatalities have been reported since antivenin became available in the 1960s. The venom is a powerful neurotoxin. Prior to the availability of antivenin, the fatality rate was about 10%, with death mainly due to respiratory or cardiovascular failure. Many bites do not inject any venom, though. Bite symptoms may include tremors, difficulty speaking, difficulty swallowing, eyelids drooping, fixed pupils, respiratory depression. Bites may not have any noticeable symptoms for up to 12 hours after bite. Seek immediate professional medical attention if bitten.