Happy World Snake Day!
Here in Texas, there is a common saying that helps determine whether a coral snake is venomous or not. It is all based on the sequence of the red, black, and yellow stripes. In the photo above, the red and yellow stripes are contiguous and separated by black stripes. So, the saying goes like this: red and yellow kill a fellow. Another type of coral snake exhibits red and black stripes adjacent to each other. For that type, the saying goes like this: red and black, poison lacks.
The Texas Coral Snake (Micrurus tener) is a venomous species. According to the Texas State Historical Association, the venom of the coral snake is primarily composed of neurotoxic peptides. The site goes on to say that “a lethal dose for an adult human being is as small as five to ten milligrams, dry weight—several times more virulent than the venom of the western diamondback rattler.” These are small snakes, about 2 feet (61 cm) long, that typically prey on other snakes, including their own species. They are secretive and generally nocturnal, hiding in leaf litter, as seen in my photo. I captured this image during the daytime along the popular River Place Nature Trail in Austin. I almost stepped on it as it crossed the trail.
That is the story behind the shot. If you liked this post, you may also be interested in others featuring Austin, Parks, Texas, and Wildlife. Until the next time, keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
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Pamela Zmija ~ Artist & Intuitive
Lol I would see that and completely forget which way the saying goes! Beautiful shot
Egidio Leitao
Thanks for the compliment. I prefer to err on the side of cautious and avoid any snakes.
shoreacres
I’ve seen a coral snake only once. They are beautiful. When I moved here, I learned a slight variant of the second half of the verse: “Red and black, friend of Jack.” I still haven’t found out who Jack is!
Egidio Leitao
I was also familiar with those verses in that version. I just recently heard the version I posted in the blog. Jack is likely not politically correct these days. It’s too patriarchal. 🙂
Anne Sandler
Wow, beautiful but deadly!
Egidio Leitao
I agree. I prefer to stay away from any snakes. Thanks, Anne.
margaret21
Goodness, I think I’ll stay here and deal with our mildly venomous adders and harmless grass snakes!
Egidio Leitao
I also try to stay away from them, venomous or not.