What is the Difference Between Coral and King Snake?

Coral snakes and king snakes are two distinct snake species that can be confused due to their similar appearance. However, there are several key differences between them:

1. Venom: Coral snakes are venomous, with their venom containing powerful neurotoxins that can cause paralysis, while king snakes are non-venomous.
2. Size: King snakes are generally larger than coral snakes.
3. Coloration: Coral snakes have red and yellow bands that touch each other, while king snakes have red and black bands that touch each other. A helpful rhyme to remember this is "red touch black, a friend of Jack; red touch yellow, kill a fellow".
4. Snout: Coral snakes have short, blunt, black snouts, while king snakes have elongated snouts that come to a rounded point, with the scarlet kingsnake having a red snout.
5. Behavior: Coral snakes are known for swinging and moving their tails to mimic their heads in an attempt to confuse predators, while king snakes do not display such defensive behavior.

It is essential to understand these differences to identify and handle these snakes safely. Coral snakes are venomous and should be avoided, while king snakes are non-venomous and are known for their ability to kill and eat other snakes, including venomous ones.

Comparative Table: Coral vs King Snake

Here is a table comparing the differences between coral snakes and king snakes:

Remember the rhyme to distinguish between coral snakes and king snakes: "red touch black, a friend of Jack; red touch yellow, kill a fellow".