Coral Snake

Coral Snake (Elaps), small venomous snakes in the same family (Elapidae) as the Cobra (q.v.). The typical species (E. corallinus) frequents woods and thickets in South America. Their very small mouth makes them less dangerous. The usual colour is rich red with black and yellow transverse bands, and it is an interesting fact that besides the venomous Elaps, at least two other genera occur which are quite harmless. These, Mr Wallace suggests, probably derive advantage from their close resemblance to the venomous forms.