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Reptiles of the United States  
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A Guide to the Reptiles &
Amphibians of the United States
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Snakes of the U.S.
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Abbreviation Legend

  • (CE) - Criticially Endangered
  • (CI) - Critically Imperiled
  • (E) - Endangered
  • (I) - Introduced
  • (IM) - Imperiled
  • (NT) - Near Threatened
  • (T) - Threatened
  • (V) - Vulnerable
  • (**) - Recent Classification Change
Home »» Snakes »» Elapidae (Coral Snakes)

Elapids of the United States


The cobra family is thought to have evolved from Colubrid snakes and many appear very similar in appearance with long, slender bodies and large scales (plates) on the head. They differ in having more advanced venom delivery systems than the venomous Colubrids. Boas have fangs that are "effectively tubular" in that the fangs contain grooves that are enclosed by an infolding of the edges. The fangs are in the front of the mouth rather than the rear as is seen in venomous Colubrids. The Boidae contain some of the world's most dangerous snakes including cobras (Naja), mambas (Dendroaspis) and sea snakes (Hydophinae and Laticaudinae). Elapids are found worldwide and in Ausralia are the predominant family. In the United States, three species of Elapids are found, two species of coral snakes and one sea snake. The coral snakes are relatively small snakes that spend most of their time underground. Their primary food is other snakes. Despite their small size and small fangs, their venom is extremely toxic.

 

There are only four species of Elapid in the U.S.

Venomous-sign (137K)
micrurus-fulvius-juvenile_tn (26K)

Eastern Coral Snake
(Micrurus fulvius)
micrurus-tener_tn (36K)

Texas Coral Snake
(Micrurus tener)
micruroides-euryxanthus_tn (33K)

Western Coral Snake
(Micruroides euryxanthus)
hydrophis-platurus_tn (27K)

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake
(Hydrophis platurus)
 

 

 

 
 
 

Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 
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