Allen's Coral Snake

The Allen's coral snake is found in Costa Rica.

Allen's Coral Snake (Micrurus alleni)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Allen�s coral snake, coral, coralillo, coral cabeza flecha, coral de agua, coral macho

Distinguishing Features

Medium sized, tricolored coral snake, adults usually 0.6 to 0.8 m long (max. 1.3 m). Black cap on top of head extends rearward, nearly bisecting a broad yellow crossband; body usually w/ alternating broad dull red & black rings separated by much narrower yellow or white rings (rybyr). Color patterns differ between some Atlantic versant vs. Pacific versant populations.

Geographical Range

The Allen's coral snake is found in Costa Rica.

Habitat

Found most commonly in lowland rainforest & subtropical wet forest, occasionally along rivers in drier areas. Mainly found below 1,000 m; but has been found up to 2,000 m elevaation in Costa Rica.

Life History

A secretive, but a fairly common snake (M. alleni is responsible for many coral snakebites in Central America). Sometimes found close to human dwellings. Coral snakes usually are nonaggressive; most bites occur during attempts to capture the snake.

Comments

Specific data are lacking; coral snake venoms primarily are neurotoxic.