King and Coral Snake – A Comparison
When it comes to identifying venomous snakes, it can be challenging to differentiate between the King and Coral snake since they look quite similar. However, their venom is different, and one must know how to identify them to prevent any harm. In this article, we will discuss the differences and similarities between the two snakes, their venom, habitat, and how to identify them.
What are King and Coral snakes?
King snakes are non-venomous snakes found predominantly in North America. They are classified into four subspecies: California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Eastern. King snakes have a noticeable banding pattern of yellow, black, and white or cream or light tan that distinguishes them from other species of snakes.
On the other hand, Coral snakes are venomous snakes found in the United States, Central America, and South America. Coral snakes have a distinctive banding pattern of red, yellow, and black. However, to identify them, one should follow the phrase, “Red on yellow, kills a fellow. Red on black, friend of Jack,” which highlights the banding pattern of Coral snakes.
King and Coral Snake Comparison
Size
King snakes are relatively larger than Coral snakes, measuring up to six feet long, while Coral snakes grow up to three feet.
Color and Patterns
As mentioned earlier, King snakes have a noticeable banding pattern of yellow, black, and white or cream or light tan that distinguishes them from other species of snakes. Coral snakes have a distinctive banding pattern of red, yellow, and black.
Venom
King snakes are non-venomous and provide a valuable service to farmers and gardeners by controlling rodent populations. On the other hand, the venom of the Coral snake is neurotoxic, which affects the nervous system, and it can be lethal. However, Coral snakes are quite reclusive and rarely come into contact with humans.
Habitat
King snakes are found predominantly in North America’s deserts, forests, and grasslands, while Coral snakes can be found in the United States, Central America, and South America in deserts, forests, and swamps.
Identification
It is essential to identify a snake before approaching or catching it to prevent any harm. Here are some tips to identify King and Coral snakes:
• King snakes have a yellow, black, and white or cream or light tan distinctive banding pattern on their body.
• Coral snakes have a unique banding pattern of red, yellow, and black. Follow the phrase, “Red on yellow, kills a fellow. Red on black, friend of Jack.”
• King snakes have a triangular or diamond-shaped head like other venomous snakes, but it has a round pupil, unlike the Coral snake’s slit-like pupil.
• King snakes have a blunt nose, while Coral snakes have a pointed snout.
Conclusion
In conclusion, King and Coral snakes are easily mistaken for each other due to their similar appearance. However, they differ in size, color and patterns, venom, habitat, and identification. Only Coral snakes are venomous and pose a risk to humans, while King snakes play a crucial role in the ecosystem by controlling rodent populations. Therefore, it is essential to know how to identify these snakes to avoid any harm. Remember to keep a safe distance from any snake you come across in the wild.
Keywords: King Snake, Coral Snake, venom, non-venomous, neurotoxic, identification, size, color and patterns, habitat, triangular, round pupil, slit-like pupil, blunt nose, pointed snout, ecosystem.