Coral snakes

Coral snakes

Coral snakes

Coral snakes are small snakes of cobra family (Elapidae) living in sandy areas near sea beaches. Although poisonous, they are not fatal to man. Unlike cobra, hood and spectacle mark are absent. Common south Indian coral snake, Calliophis nigrescens, is 1.2 metres long, coloured black or brown above and red below. A black, mid-dorsal line runs troughout with black oval spots on either lateral side. Micrurus, a poisonous coral snake of U.S.A. and tropical countries, is beautifully coloured with bands of black. red and yellow.