Coral Snake Vs Milk Snake ( Spot The Differences )

This post provides an in-depth guide on the differences between a milk snake, and a coral snake. At the end of this guide, you will know how you can tell if this venom is a coral or a milk snake.

Snakes can be found all over the world, except in Antarctica and a few remote places like Ireland, Iceland, and some Pacific islands.

There are about 3,900 different snake species, ranging from tiny snakes just a bit over 4 inches long to huge ones that can reach nearly 23 feet.

In the past, there was even a snake called Titanoboa that could grow as long as 42 feet. Scientists believe that snakes grew from lizards, probably way back in the time of the dinosaurs.

The first snake fossils are around 143 to 167 million years old. These reptiles took off after the dinosaurs vanished about 66 to 56 million years ago, during the Paleocene period.

However, the very first descriptions of snakes can be found in ancient writings like the Brooklyn Papyrus. With that said, let’s learn how you can spot the differences between a Coral snake, and a Milk snake.

READ ALSO: Are Snakes Truly Nocturnal Or Diurnal?

Let’s get to it.

Overview Of Coral Snake

Coral snakes are a diverse group of venomous snakes known for their deep colors. In the Americas, they are categorized as New World coral snakes which belong to the Micruroides and Micrurus genera, with over 65 recognized species.

These snakes are relatively small, with North American ones averaging about 3 feet in length, although some can reach up to 5 feet.

Their striking coloration, marked by red, yellow, and black bands, is a well-known feature. However, this color pattern isn’t exclusive to coral snakes.

Some non-venomous snakes, such as kingsnakes and scarlet snakes, share similar colors and patterns, which can be confusing for identification.

The popular phrase, “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack,” is often used to distinguish venomous coral snakes from harmless look-alikes like milk snakes.

While it can be useful in some cases, it’s not foolproof because coral snakes from other regions may not adhere to this color pattern.

Coral snakes are generally solitary and spend most of their time hidden beneath the ground, in leaf litter, or near bodies of water.

They primarily feed on smaller snakes, lizards, frogs, and small rodents, using their small, fixed fangs to deliver venom.

Despite their venom, coral snakes are not typically aggressive and rarely bite humans. In the United States, they account for less than one percent of snake bites each year.

Although their venomous bite is painful, it is not usually fatal to humans. In addition, reproduction in coral snakes involves internal fertilization, with the breeding season varying depending on their location.

They lay eggs, with clutch sizes typically ranging from five to seven, and males mature earlier than females.

READ ALSO: What Does A Snake Nest Look Like?

Overview Of Milk Snake

Milk snakes, scientifically known as Lampropeltis triangulum, are an interesting species of kingsnake. These snakes display remarkable diversity, with 24 identified subspecies.

Previously, the scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides) was considered the 25th subspecies (L. t. elapsoides), but it is now recognized as a distinct species.

Each of these subspecies displays strikingly different appearances, often possessing their common names. Some experts even suggest that this species could potentially be further divided into separate species.

Milk snakes are a fascinating contrast to their venomous coral snake counterparts, and they are non-venomous to humans which makes them relatively harmless.

Furthermore, Milk snakes are found across a vast geographic range. They can be spotted from the southeastern tip of Ontario, Canada, through the Eastern Seaboard states, stretching from southeastern Maine down to Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi.

In the Midwest, their habitat extends from central Minnesota to Colorado, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. You can also encounter them in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, in states like Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana.

Additionally, various subspecies inhabit Mexico, from Sonora to Tamaulipas, and throughout Central America which extends into Colombia and Ecuador.

Milk snakes are highly adaptable in terms of habitat. While they prefer to live in forested areas or open woodlands, they can also be found in diverse environments like swamps, prairies, farmland, rocky slopes, semi-arid chaparral zones, and even dunes and beaches.

Seasonally, they may migrate to higher or drier habitats during winter for hibernation and return to moist habitats for the summer.

Hibernation typically begins in late October or November, lasting until mid-April, depending on the subspecies. One intriguing aspect of milk snakes is the significant variation in size.

Depending on the subspecies, they can be as small as 14 inches or as large as 72 inches. Generally, males tend to be larger than females in maturity, although female individuals can be bulkier than males of similar length.

Subspecies in tropical regions, like those found in Mexico and beyond, tend to reach larger adult sizes compared to their temperate zone counterparts.

Also, Milk snakes are known for their smooth and shiny scales which feature alternating bands of red-black-yellow or white-black-red.

However, in some populations, red blotches can replace bands. Their resemblance to venomous coral snakes, particularly in the Batesian mimicry context, is remarkable.

Both milk snakes and coral snakes have transverse bands of red, black, and yellow. That said, common mnemonics used to distinguish them, like “Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, venom lack,” aren’t always reliable, as some coral snakes don’t conform to the typical banding colors or patterns.

READ ALSO: Are Snakes Truly Nocturnal Or Diurnal?

What Is The Difference Between A Milk Snake And A Coral Snake?

Milk snakes and coral snakes may share a similar appearance, but when you delve into the details, you’ll discover several crucial differences that set them apart.

Venom vs. Harmlessness:

• Coral Snakes: These are venomous snakes with potent toxins. A bite from a coral snake can be painful, but it’s rarely fatal to humans.
• Milk Snakes: In contrast, milk snakes are non-venomous and pose no threat to humans. Their bite is not harmful.

Color Pattern Complexity:

• Coral Snakes: Known for their striking red, yellow, and black bands, these snakes do conform to the “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow; red touch black, friend of Jack” pattern. However, this rule is not foolproof, as different regions may have variations.
• Milk Snakes: Milk snakes also exhibit transverse bands of red, black, and yellow. They sometimes resemble coral snakes which makes them intriguing mimics.

Diversity Of Species:

• Coral Snakes: Belonging to the Micruroides and Micrurus genera, coral snakes boast over 65 recognized species.
• Milk Snakes: Milk snakes, scientifically known as Lampropeltis triangulum, comprise 24 identified subspecies, each with unique appearances. This variety is different from the coral snake’s diversity.

Geographic Range:

• Coral Snakes: Coral snakes are generally found in the Americas, with North American species averaging around 3 feet in length. They reside in various regions, including the United States.
• Milk Snakes: Milk snakes have an extensive geographic range, stretching from Canada’s southeastern tip to the Eastern Seaboard states and down to the Midwest and Central America. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in various habitats.

Habitat Adaptability:

• Coral Snakes: These snakes are typically solitary and spend most of their time hidden beneath the ground or near bodies of water. They primarily feed on smaller snakes, lizards, frogs, and small rodents.
• Milk Snakes: Milk snakes are highly adaptable. They can be found in various environments, from forests and open woodlands to swamps, prairies, farmland, rocky slopes, and even sand dunes. They may migrate seasonally depending on the subspecies.

Size Variation:

• Coral Snakes: These snakes generally have a consistent size range, with North American species averaging about 3 feet in length.
• Milk Snakes: Milk snakes show significant variation in size. Depending on the subspecies, they can be as small as 14 inches or as large as 72 inches. Subspecies in tropical regions tend to reach larger adult sizes.

While milk snakes may mimic coral snakes in appearance, they are non-venomous and more diverse in terms of species and habitats.

Coral snakes, though venomous, are generally consistent in their appearance and habits.