There are a few different species of snakes that can have a light yellow coloration. The most common light yellow snakes belong to the colubrid family, which includes popular pet snakes like corn snakes and king snakes. However, there are also some venomous snakes that can be yellow, so proper identification is important.
When trying to identify a yellow snake, consider details like the snake’s geographic location, pattern, head shape and any other distinctive physical traits. The four main possibilities for a light yellow snake in the United States include the corn snake, eastern kingsnake, prairie kingsnake and eastern coral snake.
Corn Snake
The corn snake is probably the most common pet snake that has a light yellow coloration. Corn snakes have a docile temperament and stay a reasonable size, making them popular for beginner snake owners.
Corn snakes are colubrids that are native to the southeastern United States. They get their name from historically living near corn fields and hunting the rodents that would eat stored corn. An average adult corn snake length is 3-5 feet.
Corn snakes exhibit a wide range of possible color variations due to selective breeding in captivity. In the wild, they usually have orange or red-orange bodies with brownish blotches outlined in black down the length of their backs. The belly is white and black checkered. However, captive breeding has produced color morphs like amelanistic, which lack melanin and appear yellow or pale orange.
Some key identification features for corn snakes beyond their coloration include:
– Round pupils (non-venomous)
– Smooth dorsal scales
– Pointed nose
– Stocky, rounded body shape
Corn snakes are not venomous and kill their prey through constriction. They are safe to handle for experienced snake owners.
Kingsnake
There are multiple species of kingsnakes found in the United States that can have yellow color variations. This includes the common eastern kingsnake and the closely-related prairie kingsnake. Kingsnakes belong to the Lampropeltis genus of colubrids.
Kingsnakes get their common name from eating other snakes, including venomous snakes like rattlesnakes. They are immune to the venom of North American pitvipers. Kingsnakes use constriction to subdue and kill prey.
Eastern kingsnakes range along the East Coast from New Hampshire to Florida. They usually have a black chain-like pattern on a light background. The background color can range from tan, brown or olive to yellow or white in some morphs. Their average adult size is 3-4.5 feet.
Prairie kingsnakes occupy the prairies and grasslands of the Midwestern states. Their color pattern is similar to the eastern kingsnake but with a browner or yellowish background. Average adult size is 2-4 feet.
Identification features of kingsnakes include:
– Rounded head barely wider than the neck
– Smooth scales
– Shiny appearance
– Yellow, tan or white background coloration
– Chain-like dark brown or black pattern
Kingsnakes are non-venomous constrictors that pose no danger to humans. However, they should only be handled carefully by experienced snake owners due to their strong feeding response.
Eastern Coral Snake
While most yellow snakes in the United States are harmless colubrids, there is one venomous species to watch out for – the eastern coral snake. Coral snakes belong to the elapid family along with cobras, mambas and other venomous species.
The eastern coral snake lives in the southeastern United States from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas. It has striking coloration with wide red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings down its body. The head is black and the snout is rounded. Average adult length is 2-3 feet.
Despite their bright coloration to warn predators away, coral snakes are shy, reclusive snakes that avoid confrontation when possible. They may vibrate their tail in dry leaves or grass to make a warning sound before striking in defense. Their fangs are fixed in position rather than hinged, so they cannot deliver large doses of venom quickly. Still, a coral snake bite can be very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention.
Key identification points for eastern coral snakes include:
– Yellow rings bordered by red and black
– Red touch yellow (old rhyme: “Red on yellow, kill a fellow”)
– Rounded, black snout
– Small, fixed front fangs
– Elapid – related to cobras
Proper identification is critical with coral snakes due to their potent neurotoxic venom. Their docile nature means bites usually only happen from accidental handling. Leave any coral snakes spotted in the wild alone.
How to Distinguish Yellow Colubrids from Coral Snakes
It can be tricky for an amateur to distinguish between harmless yellow colubrid snakes like corn snakes and kingsnakes, and the venomous coral snake. Here are a few ways to tell them apart:
| Trait | Colubrids | Coral Snake |
|---|---|---|
| Color Pattern | Blotches, patches or stripes on back | Rings completely encircling body |
| Head Shape | Pointed, arrow-shaped head | Rounded, black snout |
| Pupil Shape | Round pupils | Elliptical pupils |
| Scales | Keeled/ridged scales | Smooth scales |
| Rhyme Clue | N/A | “Red touch yellow, kill a fellow” |
If an unknown snake is patterned with splotches, has a pointy arrowhead, round pupils and keeled scales, it can be safely assumed it is a harmless colubrid. Coral snakes will always have the distinctive red-yellow-black ringed pattern covering their whole body. The rhyme “red touch yellow, kill a fellow” refers to the red and yellow rings always being adjacent on coral snakes, unlike similar non-venomous milk snakes and scarlet kingsnakes. When in doubt, it’s best to avoid handling any snake you cannot positively identify as harmless.
Yellow Snake Identification by Geographic Location
Knowing what species of snakes are found in your geographic area can also assist with identifying unknown snakes you encounter. Here are some of the main possibilities based on U.S. region:
Northeast:
– Eastern milksnake – large blotches on red/brown background
– Eastern kingsnake – chain pattern on white/yellow background
Southeast:
– Corn snake – orange/red with black bordered blotches
– Eastern kingsnake
– Eastern coral snake – red, yellow and black rings
Midwest:
– Prairie kingsnake – light chain pattern on yellow/brown
– Eastern milksnake
Southwest:
– California kingsnake – alternating white/black/red bands
– Gophersnake – yellow with brown blotches
Northwest:
– Gophersnake – yellow with brown blotches
This list covers some of the most common possibilities but is not exhaustive. Having a rough geographic idea of where an unidentified snake was found can help narrow it down. When combined with details about color, markings, head shape and other characteristics, identification becomes easier. Consult a local field guide or reliable online resource if you are still uncertain.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a variety of colubrid snakes in the United States that can have yellow coloration, most commonly corn snakes and kingsnakes. It is important to distinguish these harmless species from the venomous eastern coral snake, which has characteristic red, yellow and black ringed banding. Looking for key identification features like head shape, scale texture, pupil shape and color pattern ordering can help differentiate between them. Being familiar with species found in your area aids identification. When in doubt, avoid handling any unidentified snake and leave it alone. Proper snake ID keeps both people and snakes safe.