Texas Coral Snake
VenomousMicrurus tener
The Texas coral snake is the western counterpart of the eastern coral snake, ranging through east and central Texas into Louisiana and southwest Arkansas. Everything that applies to its eastern relative applies here: secretive, rarely seen, and dangerous if 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
- Neurotoxic venom with potentially delayed onset. Any suspected bite is an emergency. Antivenom supply for coral snakes is limited, which makes avoidance especially important.
- Adult length
- 20–30 inches (51–76 cm)
- Markings
- Wide red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings that encircle the body completely. Red touches yellow. Black snout.
- Habitat
- woods, grassland, suburban
- Family
- coral snake
- Range
- 3 US states
How to identify a texas coral snake
- Complete rings around the body, red touching yellow.
- Solid black snout.
- Slender body with a head no wider than the neck.
- Usually found under cover objects or crossing roads after rain.
What it does when it sees you
Spends most of its life underground or beneath debris. Not aggressive, but will bite if picked up.
What the texas coral snake is confused with
One test settles each of these.
Louisiana milk snake
Milk snake red bands touch black bands, and the snout is not solid black.
Red touches black, and the snout is red rather than black.