Amazonian Coral Snake

The Amazonian coral snake is found throughout most of the Amazon & Orinoco basins.

Amazonian Coral Snake (Micrurus spixii)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Amazonian coral snake, South American Coral snake, coral venenosa, acavai, naca-naca

Distinguishing Features

Large, heavy-bodied, 3-colored coral snake, adults usually 80-110 cm long (max. 141+ cm). Head w/ area in front of eyes usually whitish w/ scattered black pigment, followed by a red ring (may be incomplete dorsally) & a black ring. Dorsal pattern varies, but usually has rather broad red rings separated by 4-9 (rarely 10) triads, each w/ 3 black separated by 2 white, yellow, or greenish rings (bwbwb, bybyb, or bgbgb), triads sometimes fuse (& become quincads). Tail w/ no more than 1 triad.

Geographical Range

Occurs throughout most of the Amazon & Orinoco basins, from near sea level to at least 1,200 m elevation. May also occur in the French Guiana, Guyana, & Surimane, but no specimens confirmed from those countries, so far.

Habitat

Mainly found on forest floors in tropical rainforest, but also found around human habitations & in savanna/ gallery forest areas in the llanos of eastern Colombia; most common in humid areas close to water.

Life History

Unpredictable temperament, can be highly irritable; its mouth is large enough to bite even through moderately thick clothing. Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular, but may be active in daytime on overcast days or after rain. Oviparous (clutch size not known, but probably 8-16 eggs). Preys mainly on other snakes, lizards, & amphibians (rarely, certain fish or eels).

Comments

Venom is potently neurotoxic and this species' large size ensures ample volume available for injection. This species is one of the most dangerous coral snakes in South America. It inflicts many bites to humans each year, and often causes human fatalities, throughout its relatively large range.