Harlequin Snake — Part 2

Elaps fulvius (Linn.)

Thus, in spite of its pretty colours and alleged "docile nature," the writer feels that this serpent should be described as it really is. It should be placed in the list of dangerously poisonous snakes--given rank in point of deadliness with the longfanged vipers, in comparison with which its poisonous characters have been scoffed at.

During many years, the writer has examined several hundred specimens of this snake and at no time has been able to note any particular degree of docility. It is true that a serpent of this kind may be handled without accident, as its actions in biting are quite different from many snakes. Nevertheless, the danger is great in handling it. It might be incidentally explained that the rattlesnake, the copperhead and the moccasin might likewise be handled after the fever of anger attending their capture has passed. Such has been the case with many reckless men who style themselves "rattlesnake charmers," and the like. When first disturbed in their native wilds, these latter, thick-bodied serpents are more emphatic in their declarations of anger, while the Coral Snake, rather sluggish in attitude, may be mistaken in its demeanour to be "good natured." It should be explained that the rattlesnakes and their allies usually become quite tame as captives, when they will submit to being handled with apparent good nature.

The Coral Snake differs from crotaline* (Comprehensive title for the sub-family to which the rattlesnake, copperhead, moccasin and allies belong.) snakes in seldom or never striking at the object of its anger. If cornered it will lie sullenly motionless, or throw its body into a series of irregular loops, under which the head is often hidden. If unduly annoyed the reptile behaves in a peculiar manner. It twists from side to side, lying motionless for a few seconds, then throwing itself into a different position. The movements are jerky and erratic and seemingly without purpose. Then the reptile is treacherous and dangerous. Its movements are lightning-like and quite different from those displayed by the majority of snakes. If touched lightly upon the side, the small head is swung around and the jaws grasp the offending object, when the serpent chews until the small but formidable fangs have been imbedded a number of times.

In unpacking freshly captured specimens, the writer has frequently seen them turn and bite with the rapidity of a steel spring suddenly released from tension. This act of biting is unattended by any sign of warning. It may be caused by the simple touch of a stick against the snake's body. The amount of venom yielded at such times is a mute illustration of the creature's power of doing damage. A moment previous to this exhibition, the snake may be perfectly motionless and in an apparent state of lethargy. Thus does the Coral Snake defend itself with a poison which resembles that of the Cobra-de-capello. Surely it would not be appropriate, after noting such observations, to describe this snake as "mildly poisonous" or "innocuous to man and the larger animals."

Like all of the snakes representing the genus Elaps, the Coral Snake is of burrowing habits. It is sometimes found hiding under the bark of decaying logs, and is often exhumed in ploughing. After heavy showers and at night it issues forth in search of food, which consists of snakes and lizards. The species is very fond of the blue-tailed lizard (Eumeces) and finds them without trouble as they creep under the loose bark of logs and fallen timber for the night.

In captivity, the Coral Snake invariably dies within a few weeks if denied a situation that permits it burrowing and hiding for the greater part of the time. It may be kept successfully by giving it a case provided with several inches depth of sphagnum moss; but it is delicate and, unless kept in a temperature of seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit or over, will persistently refuse food. Experiments were conducted in the reptile house for several years with a view of producing quarters where this interesting snake could be placed on exhibition to be seen, and yet to partially favour its subterranean habits. When placed on thin layers of moss and sand it continually burrowed for a place to hide and refused all food. Specimens in cases well filled with moss, lived and thrived, but were never seen by visitors. Finding it practically impossible to strike the happy medium, a few specimens are kept on hand to be uncovered occasionally for the benefit of students, but the idea of an exhibition cage has for some time been abandoned.