Eastern Coral Snake: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Snakes · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. The eastern coral snake mostly eats other snakes and slender lizards. It grabs its prey by the head first.
2. A female lays 3 to 12 eggs in June, and they hatch in September.
3. Babies are only 18 to 23 cm long at hatching, and no parent has ever been seen caring for them.
4. Its bright red, black and yellow rings are most likely a warning to predators that it is dangerous.
5. Most rarely top 80 cm, but the longest recorded one from Florida measured 121.8 cm.

The quiz

1. What does the eastern coral snake mostly eat?

• Seeds and berries
• Leaves and grass
• Other snakes and slender lizards (correct)
• Tree bark

It feeds mainly on other snakes and slender lizards, biting the head first.

2. In which month do the eggs hatch?

• September (correct)
• June
• March
• December

Eggs are laid in June and hatch in September.

3. How long are newly hatched coral snakes?

• 5-8 cm
• 40-50 cm
• 80-90 cm
• 18-23 cm (correct)

Hatchlings are 18 to 23 cm long, and no parental care has been recorded.

4. What do the bright rings most likely tell predators?

• Come closer
• I am sleeping
• Stay away, a warning (correct)
• I am harmless

The bright colours are most likely a warning that it is dangerous.

5. How long was the longest recorded coral snake from Florida?

• 60 cm
• 121.8 cm (correct)
• 80 cm
• 200 cm

The longest recorded individual from Florida measured 121.8 cm.

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