About Micrurus tener Baird & Girard, 1853
Micrurus tener Baird & Girard, 1853, commonly known as the Texas coral snake, has the characteristic black, yellow, and red ringed coloration typical of coral snakes, and these rings extend all the way onto its belly. This species can reach a total length of 48 inches (122 cm) including the tail, though most adult individuals grow closer to 24 inches (61 cm). On average, males are smaller than females of the species. It has smooth dorsal scales, a rounded head, and round pupils. Several unusual color morphs have been recorded in wild populations: albinistic specimens that lack black pigment, anerythristic specimens that lack red pigment, "pastel" individuals with pink, translucent cream, and very light blue coloration, and completely black melanistic specimens. Compared to the related eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius), the Texas coral snake is somewhat larger, longer and stouter, and produces a slightly larger venom yield. Its geographic range extends from the southern United States south into northeastern and central Mexico. In the United States, it occurs in the states of Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. In Mexico, it is found in the states of Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosí, Guanajuato, Querétaro, and Morelos. The Texas coral snake is an oviparous species, meaning it lays eggs.
