Coral Snake Red On Black Friend Of Jack
Some coral snakes do not have the typical banding colors or patterns. Examples of unreliable mnemonics commonly used for North American coral snakes: 'Red'n Yellow Deadly Fellow, Red'n Black Friend of Jack' 'Red on yellow kills a fellow. Red on black, venom lack.' Or 'Red touches black, it’s a friend of Jack. This iconic snake, with its bulbous head and red, yellow, and black bands, is famous as much for its potent venom as for the many rhymes—'Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, friend of Jack'—penned to distinguish it from similarly patterned, nonvenomous copycats, such as the scarlet king snake. Coral snakes are extremely reclusive. This rule dos not always work for every breed of Coral Snakes, for example the 'Micrurus frontali' breed of coral snake color pattern is: red, black, yellow, black, yellow, black, red. On this species, red touches black but it is very much poisonous.
Having the second most potent venom of any snake, the coral snake is not only beautiful but deadly! These beauties can be found in the southwest, southern, and southeastern United States, as well as Mexico. These venomous snakes would much rather slither away than confront a predator. They will stand their ground though, if given no other option to escape. These critters are highly venomous, but no deaths have been recorded in recent years.
This rhyme becomes deadly when the eastern coral snake, which holds true to the rhyme, is compared to the South American coral snake, which has black bands touching red bands. “Red touching black: Safe for Jack” is now a fatal mistake. For more info that will help, read more about Coral Snake Look Alikes.
First the Stats…
Coral Snake Red On Black Friend Of Jack Nicholson
Scientific name: Chordata
Weight: Up to 8 – 16 ounces
Length: Up to 24 inches
Lifespan: Up to 7 years
Now on to the Facts!
1.) These snakes are primarily nocturnal (active at night) but can also be crepuscular (active at dawn and dusk).
2.) Coral snakes brumate (hibernation for reptiles) during fall and winter.
3.) They prey on amphibians and reptiles primarily.
4.) Their predators are typically nocturnal animals like owls, badgers, and raccoons.
5.) Their heads and tails are typically black. This helps to cause confusion for predators. As they aren’t sure which is the business end.
But wait, there’s more on the coral snake!
6.) The coral snake’s venom is a highly potent neurotoxin.
7.) Production of antivenom has been stopped since 2010! So, basically, don’t get bitten. Leave them alone and they’ll leave you alone.
Did you know…?
When threatened, coral snakes will sometimes make a popping sound by pushing air from their cloaca (a single opening for the urinary, reproductive and intestinal tract) to startle the attacker. Yep, these snakes fart when threatened.
8.) One, not so accurate method of telling if you’ve encountered a coral snake is the saying “red touches black, friend of Jack. Red touches yellow, kill a fellow.” Again… not the best way to tell if a snake is venomous. The best approach is not to approach. Appreciate it from a far. Take a picture or two and leave it alone.
9.) One myth states that they are rear fang venomous and have to bite and gnaw on you till they work the bite to the back of their mouth, where the fangs are. Not true.
10.) Another myth is that they have to bite you on the webbing of your fingers in order to inject venom. Also not true. They can get you on the finger or hand, just as well and then you’ll wish you hadn’t messed with them.