Read full entry  Coral snake  Coral snakes are a large group of
elapid snakes that can be subdivided into two distinct groups,
Old World coral snakes and New World coral snakes. There are 16
species of Old World coral snake in three genera (Calliophis,
Hemibungarus and Sinomicrurus), and over 65 recognized species
of New World coral snakes in three genera (Leptomicrurus,
Micruroides, and Micrurus). Genetic studies have found that the
most basal lineages are Asian, indicating that the group
originated in the Old World.[1][2]  North American coloration
patterns[edit]  Coral snakes are most notable for their red,
yellow/white, and black colored banding. (However, several
nonvenomous species have similar coloration, including the
scarlet snake, genus Cemophora, some of the kingsnakes and milk
snakes, genus Lampropeltis, and the shovelnose snakes, genus
Chionactis.) In some regions, the order of the bands
distinguishes between the non-venomous mimics and the venomous
coral snakes, quite a few mnemonics:    • "Red