Bolivian Coral Snake

The Bolivian coral snake is limited to certain intermontane valleys in central Bolivia.

Bolivian Coral Snake (Micrurus serranus)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Bolivian Coral Snake

Distinguishing Features

Small, 3 colored coral snake, max. adult length 82 cm. Front half of head black, with broken white band (or spots) near nostrils; back of head & neck red. Snout distinctly acuminate, chin yellow. Body patterned with moderately broad red rings separated by 10-14 triads of 3 black and 2 narrower white rings each (rbwbwbr). Both red and yellow smooth dorsal scales edged with black.

Geographical Range

Limited to certain intermontane valleys in central Bolivia, at 1,200 to 2,150 m elevation.

Habitat

Not well characterized. Probably either lower montane wet forest or dry forest, with sandy soil and rock outcrops, altered by humans in many places.

Life History

Not much known. Most species of coral snakes are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular; terrestrial; often burrow in loose, sandy soil or litter; and usually are nonaggressive. This species is probably oviparous (with less than 15 eggs in a clutch) and probably preys on locally available other snakes, lizards, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Comments

Not much known for this species. Most coral snakes have highly potent, mainly neurotoxic venom that can be injected via grooved, fixed, upper front fangs. Due to their small mouths, coral snakes' bites to humans usually occur on a finger or toe, or webbing between, and usually when the victim tries to catch or handle the snake. No serious envenomations or deaths of humans documented from bites of this species, so far.