Difference Between Coral & King Snakes

Coloring

• The primary difference is in the colorful banding. The typical coral snake has bands of red scales that line up to yellow scales. The California Mountain and scarlet kingsnakes have black bands that separate colors from each other. A rhyme once used to remember which snake was which went, "Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, won't hurt Jack."

Toxicity

• Kingsnakes are completely harmless and are common household pets. The bite of a coral snake can weaken or paralyze humans in severe and extreme cases. They have short fangs and do not bite people very often. Less than 1 percent of injuries from snake bites in the United States are from coral snakes.

Diet

• Kingsnakes can devour venomous rattlesnakes. Their digestive system is immune to venom from other species of snakes. Coral snakes can pull off the same trick. In fact, they will eat other coral snakes. Both snakes primarily feed on small reptiles, amphibians and small rodents.

Length

• Length isn't a reliable way to tell the difference between the snakes. California Mountain Kingsnakes can reach lengths of 48 inches, but can be smaller. Scarlet kingsnakes are between 14 and 20 inches in length. Coral snakes generally grow to 36 inches. Depending on the age of the snake, they could all be the same size.

Habitat

• Kingsnakes prefer in regions such as pine forests or sand hills. They can turn up in very dry, sandy sections too. Coral snakes also live in dry areas, usually beneath dead logs or other debris. They can also be found in dry spots on the edges of swampy regions.