Eastern Coral snake is characterized by red and yellow rings which touch which encircle the entire body. The end of the snout is black with a yellow parietal band and a black nuchal band on head. Head is ventrally colored yellow or white. Black ring on the neck separated from the parietal scutes along with red rings containing black spots are found. Some species found in Florida may lack dark spots on the red rings.
Ten Facts about Eastern Coral Snake
- Length: 20-30 inches(51-76cm); average 60cm; record 47.5 inches(120.7cm).
- Males have 10-27 black bands and females have 12-26.
- Natural longevity is unknown although longest lifespan recorded is 7 years.
- Mating is during the spring and also in autumn.
- 2-13 elongate eggs develop and are laid in underground cavities and in logs from May to July.
- Females mature usually after 2 years after they have reached a snout-vent length of 55cm.
- Males mature sexually in less than two years after reaching a snout vent length of 40.2cm.
- The Eastern Coral snake gestation period is 70 to 90 days.
- The Eastern Coral snake eats several lizard and smaller snake species including members of its own species. Also, birds, frogs, fish, and insects are included in its diet.
- The coral snake is found during the daytime and in the morning. They are most active during early evening and morning.
