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Coral snake mimicry: Does it occur?

H.W. Greene·R.W. McDiarmid
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Abstract

Field observations and experimental evidence refute previous objections to the coral snake mimicry hypothesis. Concordant color pattern variation spanning hundreds of miles and several presumed venomous models strongly suggests that several harmless or mildly venomous colubrid snakes are indeed mimics of highly venomous elapids.

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H.W. Greene, R.W. McDiarmid. 1981. Coral snake mimicry: Does it occur?. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.213.4513.1207

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