What is a key identifying feature of Eastern Coral Snakes?

The key identifying feature of Eastern Coral Snakes is their colorful body, which exhibits distinct rings of black, yellow, and red. This color pattern is a crucial characteristic used for identifying this species, and it serves as a warning to potential predators about their venomous nature. The striking coloration is a form of aposematism, where bright colors indicate toxicity.

This identification method is commonly remembered using the popular rhyme "red touches black, safe for Jack; red touches yellow, kills a fellow," which helps differentiate the Eastern Coral Snake from non-venomous mimics. Understanding this color pattern is vital for recognizing the snake and emphasizing the importance of caution in areas where they may be encountered.