What is the rhyme to tell the difference between a venomous snake and a non-venomous snake using their colors?

Question

What is the rhyme to tell the difference between a venomous snake and a non-venomous snake using their colors?

Question #73273. Asked by stina_girl1.

Related Trivia Topics: Colors

dseeveld
Answer has 29 votes

Currently Best Answer

dseeveld

Answer has 29 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Explanation of the rhyme with variations and photos:

http://www.aaanimalcontrol.com/blog/red-touch-yellow.html

Red touches yellow, kills a fellow. Red touches black, friend of Jack
Red touch yellow, kills a fellow. Red touch black, venom lack.
Red touch yellow, death says hello. Black touch red, keep your head.
Yellow touch red, you be dead. Red touch black, eat Cracker Jack.

Dec 10 2008, 9:52 AM

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Answer 1

DM565
Answer has 24 votes

DM565

Answer has 24 votes.

This rhyme works to distinguish between the venomous coral snake and the non-venomous corn snake.

Red touches yellow, dangerous fellow. Red touches black, friend to Jack.

Dec 13 2006, 10:33 AM

Answer 2

elburcher

Answer has 13 votes

elburcher

24 year member
1465 replies avatar

Answer has 13 votes.

The rhyme is also used for the Coral snake and California Moutain King snake.

Red touching black is a friend of Jack, Red touching yellow can kill a fellow.

http://www.californiaherps.com/snakes/pages/l.zonata.html

Dec 13 2006, 10:46 AM

Answer 3

malarson
Answer has 15 votes

malarson
19 year member
84 replies avatar

Answer has 15 votes.

I've also heard this variation.

Red on yellow and you're a dead fellow.
Red on black, you're alright Jack.

Dec 13 2006, 11:50 AM

Answer 4

kaylofgorons

Answer has 20 votes

kaylofgorons

Moderator
20 year member
303 replies

Answer has 20 votes.

Red on yellow, kill a fellow,
Red on black, venom lack.

I've always heard the two snakes are the Coral Snake and the King Snake.

Dec 13 2006, 5:59 PM

What is the rhyme to tell the difference between a venomous snake and a non-venomous snake using their colors?

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