Texas Coral Snake

Range

Southern Arkansas, west of the Ouachita River and south of the Little Missouri River.

Description

Smooth scales. Head and body banded in brilliant red, yellow and black; bands completely encircle body. Young are patterned like adults. Adults average 20-30 inches in length. Remember the saying, "Red touch black, venom lack; red touch yellow, kill a fellow."

Habitat and Habits

Prefers moist pine, hardwood or mixed pine-hardwood forests with loose, sandy soils and pine straw, leaf litter and logs for cover. Active late February through mid-November. Active in early morning or at dusk when humidity is high. Also active at night after rains during summer months. Lays 2-12 eggs in spring, hatching in August-September. Feeds on lizards and small snakes.