Coral Snake
Ancestory and Evolution
Body Structure
Eastern
Feeding
Reproduction
Western

Coral Snake Temperature Control

Although not strictly “cold – blooded” as is generally believed, reptiles generate much less heat than mammals and birds. With no insulating layer of blubber, fur, hair, or feathers, they also lose heat far more rapidly. As a snake cools, it becomes less and less active, and below 35 – 39 degrees Fahrenheit (2-4 degrees Centrigade), it becomes completely torpid and may die.

Snakes rely on the heat of the sun to keep warm and raise their temperature up enough so that they may stay active. Although this is true, they also run the risk of becoming too hot because they lack the sweat glands and are unable to reduce their body temperature by perspiration. And if their body temperature rises above 100 – 117 degrees Fahrenheit for any length of time, the snakes will die. So what they do is move between sun and shade and use other techniques to keep their body at an optimum temperature.

Despite these temperature restrictions, some 2700 species of snakes populate the world, except for the very coldest regions. Tropical areas provide the most stable temperature environment and so are home to the most species of snakes and support the greatest number per unit area. In fact, most species of coral snakes live in Mexico, and central and south America. Aquatic snakes for one, are not able to thermoregulate, and so are restricted to areas of the world where the temperature is warm and stable.

As temperature changes throughout the year, snakes may change their habits accordingly. Color also plays a big part in thermoregulation. In colder areas, snakes tend to be darker, so that they may absorb more heat, while in warmer areas, snakes are brighter and more vivid.