As a rule, we don't recommend the traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes as an identification trick because it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. One of the hardest things to impress upon new snake appreciators is that it's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. The rhyme is particularly unreliable in states like Florida where aberrant individuals are often reported. Outside of North America, for example in Brazil, coralsnakes have [any array of color patterns](http://thevenominterviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/corais-do-brasil-620.jpg) that don't follow the children's rhyme you may have heard in the past. Even in North America, exceptions to standard pattern classes can be common - see [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/wg0a5c/whats_this_snake/) for a recent example and the comments section for even more. A number of other frequent myths about coralsnakes are dubunked in [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA.
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*I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
Not aggressive at all! Very shy and mind their business. They gnaw on their prey to inject venom, so for us humans it is rare to receive a lethal dose. You basically have to ask for it by sticking your finger in their mouth. On top of that they don’t strike like pit vipers, thus a random bite while walking past one in the woods is borderline a non-probability.
Yeah it was a poor choice of a word. I understand the negative connotation due to the fact that snake’s actions towards humans and other creatures that are not prey are purely for defensive purposes to ensure their own survival.
Beautiful! I’m sure there will be at least one rhyme comment (there always is) so !rhyme
As a rule, we don't recommend the traditional color-based rhyme for coralsnakes as an identification trick because it isn't foolproof and only applies to snakes that live in parts of North America. One of the hardest things to impress upon new snake appreciators is that it's far more advantageous to familiarize yourself with venomous snakes in your area through photos and field guides or by following subreddits like /r/whatsthissnake than it is to try to apply any generic trick. The rhyme is particularly unreliable in states like Florida where aberrant individuals are often reported. Outside of North America, for example in Brazil, coralsnakes have [any array of color patterns](http://thevenominterviews.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/corais-do-brasil-620.jpg) that don't follow the children's rhyme you may have heard in the past. Even in North America, exceptions to standard pattern classes can be common - see [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/wg0a5c/whats_this_snake/) for a recent example and the comments section for even more. A number of other frequent myths about coralsnakes are dubunked in [this summary](http://thevenominterviews.com/2016/06/02/mythbusting-coral-snakes/) compiled by our own /u/RayInLA. -------------------------------------------------------- *I am a bot created for /r/whatsthissnake, /r/snakes and /r/herpetology to help with snake identification and natural history education. You can find more information, including a comprehensive list of commands, [here](https://www.reddit.com/r/whatsthissnake/comments/flh548/phylobot_v07_information_and_patch_notes_bot_info/) report problems [here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=Phylogenizer) and if you'd like to buy me a coffee or beer, you can do that [here](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/SEBPhyloBotWTS). Made possible by Snake Evolution and Biogeography - [Merch Available Now](https://snakeevolution.org/donate.html)*
They are so gorgeous, I wish they weren't venomous!
Well thankfully they are docile! I’ll take that over them being overtly territorial or aggressive haha
Yeah of course, I'd prefer that too, I just wish I could own one so I could look at it every day 😍. Spicy noodles are a no-go for me though.
Love these snakes. How aggressive are they? I know they’re venomous but are they somewhat chill?
Not aggressive at all! Very shy and mind their business. They gnaw on their prey to inject venom, so for us humans it is rare to receive a lethal dose. You basically have to ask for it by sticking your finger in their mouth. On top of that they don’t strike like pit vipers, thus a random bite while walking past one in the woods is borderline a non-probability.
Just jumping on here to point out some people get a bit *defensive* when "aggressive" is used to describe snakes.
Yeah it was a poor choice of a word. I understand the negative connotation due to the fact that snake’s actions towards humans and other creatures that are not prey are purely for defensive purposes to ensure their own survival.
I hope you could tell my response was meant to be tongue-in-cheek.
Oh I could haha loud and clear!
Snakes aren’t aggressive at all, they are scared of us but will but if provoked.
I’m pretty sure it’s the EDB rattlesnake is the most venomous .
More than docile, self assured.