Broad Ringed Coral Snake

The Broad Ringed coral snake is limited to the Pacific versant of southern Mexico (Oaxaca, Chiapas) to eastern Guatemala.

Broad Ringedas Coral Snake (Micrurus latifasciatus)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Broad-ringed coral snake, long-ringed coral snake, coral, coralillo, coralillo de bandas largas

Distinguishing Features

Medium sized 3 colored coral snake, adults usually 65 to 85 cm long (max. 114 cm). Snout black, followed by a very broad yellow ring; back of head and neck black. Body pattern consists of very broad reddish rings (black-spotted dorsally) and 6 to 9 broad black rings, separated by slightly narrower yellow rings. Tail with 2 to 3 very broad black rings alternating with yellow rings. Red dorsal scales are uniformly black spotted.

Geographical Range

Limited to the Pacific versant of southern Mexico (Oaxaca, Chiapas) to eastern Guatemala.

Habitat

Mainly found in lowland rainforest, lower montane wet forest, and lower montane moist forest (i.e., wetter forested areas) at 300 to 1,350 m elevation.

Life History

Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal and terrestrial (may burrow into soft substrates like sand or leaf litter). Most coral snakes usually are nonaggressive; with bites occurring on humans' toes or fingers, and usually during attempts to capture the snake. Probably oviparous (litter size unknown). Probably preys mainly on other local snakes, lizards and invertebrates.

Comments

Not much known. Venom of most coral snakes is neurotoxic. No reported serious human envenomations or fatalities due to bites by this species, so far.