Eastern Coral Snake
(Micrurus fulvius fulvius)

Note the rings on the coral snake are distinctive and encircle the entire circumference of the snake’s body. Also note the colors red touches the black on the Scarlet king in contrast to the red touching the yellow on the Coral. This can easily be remembered with the rhyme "Red touches black, friend of Jack and Red touches yellow kills a fellow". The "nose" area of the Coral snake has a distinct black end as shown in this picture. It should be noted here that these "rules" for identifying these snakes only apply to the species found within the United States. Species of Micrurus are also found in Central and South America. Identification of those species is more difficult.

Sulima Moore holds a non venomous Scarlet King snake to
reveal the color similarities it shares with the Eastern Coral snake.