Sonoran Coral Snake
VenomousMicruroides euryxanthus · also called Arizona coral snake, western coral snake
The Sonoran coral snake is a small, glossy, banded snake of the Arizona and New Mexico deserts. It is rarely seen, being mostly nocturnal and fossorial, and no human death has been attributed to its bite — but it is a true coral snake and should never be handled.
Before anything else
- Back away and leave it alone. A snake that can see you leaving has no reason to bite. Most bites in the United States happen to people who picked up, cornered, or tried to kill a snake.
- Never handle a snake to identify it. Every identification on this site can be made from a photo or from several feet away.
- If someone is bitten, call emergency services now. Keep the limb still and below the heart, remove rings and watches, and go to hospital. Do not cut, suck, apply ice, or use a tourniquet — all of these make outcomes worse.
- Do not try to catch the snake for identification. A photo from a distance is enough, and hospitals treat symptoms rather than species.
In the US, the Poison Help line is 1-800-222-1222. This site is a reference, not medical advice.
Quick facts
- Venom
- Venom is neurotoxic. Bites are extremely rare and no fatalities are documented, but medical assessment is still required. Do not handle.
- Adult length
- 11–21 inches (28–53 cm)
- Markings
- Alternating broad red and black rings separated by narrow white or pale yellow rings, encircling the body. Black snout, with the first pale ring crossing the back of the head.
- Habitat
- desert, rocky, grassland
- Family
- coral snake
- Range
- 2 US states
How to identify a sonoran coral snake
- Small and glossy, usually under 18 inches.
- Red and black rings separated by narrow white or pale yellow rings, wrapping the belly.
- Black snout with the first pale band on the back of the head.
- Sonoran Desert habitat, active at night and after summer rains.
What it does when it sees you
Secretive and nocturnal. When threatened it hides its head, elevates and curls its tail, and can make a popping sound by expelling air from the cloaca.
What the sonoran coral snake is confused with
One test settles each of these.
Shovel-nosed snakes have bands that usually do not cross the belly, and a flattened shovel-like snout.
Mountain kingsnakes have red bands bordered by black, and a red or pale snout rather than black.