Coral snakes and scarlet kingsnakes have similar red, yellow, and black banding patterns, but only coral snakes are venomous. The rhyme "red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack" can help distinguish the snakes based on color pattern, but this does not apply to all coral snake species worldwide. Scarlet kingsnakes are found in southeastern United States habitats like pine flatwoods and hammocks. While similar in appearance, coral snakes pose a threat while scarlet kingsnakes are harmless.

1. CORAL SNAKE & SCARLET KING SNAKE By: Patricia Jones

3. Coral Snake Coral snakes are most notable for their red, yellow/white, and black colored banding. (Several nonvenomous species have similar coloration, however, including the Scarlet Kingsnake, the Milk Snake, and the Chionactis occipitalis annulata.) In some regions, the order of the bands distinguishes between the non-venomous mimics and the venomous coral snakes, inspiring some folk rhymes — "Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack" (for similar looking Milk Snakes). However, this only reliably applies to coral snakes native to North America: Micrurus fulvius (Eastern or common), Micrurus tener (Texas), and Micruroides euryxanthus (Arizona), found in the southern and western United States. Coral snakes found in other parts of the world can have distinctly different patterns, have red bands touching black bands, have only pink and blue banding, or have no banding at all. Most species of coral snake are small in size. North American species average around 3 feet (91 cm) in length, but specimens of up to 5 feet (150 cm) or slightly larger have been reported. Aquatic species have flattened tails, to act as a fin, aiding in swimming.

4. Picture of Venomous Coral Snake

6. Scarlet Kingsnake The Scarlet kingsnake ( Lampropeltis elapsoides ) is a type of king snake that is found in the southeastern United States.They are found in pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, prairies, cultivated fields, and suburban areas. The snake has a tri-color pattern of black, red, and yellow bands that mimic the venomous coral snake. A method to help differentiate between venomous and non venomous tri-color snakes in North America is found in the popular phrases "red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black venom lack" or "If red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow; if red touches black, you're all right, Jack" and "Red and black is a friend of Jack".

7. Picture of Scarlet Kingsnake

9. Conclusion Coral snakes and Scarlet Snakes are unique creatures similar in appearance. One is harmless and one will kill you. Be careful and remember the rhyme "Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, friend of Jack" !!!

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12. Works Cited Wikipedia . (n.d.). Retrieved September 14th, 2010, from Coral Snake: http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_snake Wikipedia . (n.d.). Retrieved September 14th, 2010, from Scarlet Kingsnake: http:// en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarlet_Kingsnake