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Decorated Coral Snake (Micrurus decoratus)
Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Decorated coral snake, Brazilian coral snake, Cobra-coral
Distinguishing Features
Small coral snake, adults usually less than 67 cm long; head black with a broad yellow band (may be incomplete). Body pattern of broad red rings separated by triads (13 to 19 on body); each is a series of 3 black and 2 yellow rings, with middle black ring wider than the other two. Tip of snout and chin black, with a wider yellow ring encircling the head. Many of the black rings tend to be narrower on the belly. Tail with less than 2 black triads.
Geographical Range
Limited to the southeastern coastal region of Brazil.
Habitat
Found mainly in tropical deciduous forest, humid lowlands, and lower montane wet forest at the fringes of the central highlands of Brazil. Found from near sea level up to 1,500 m elevation.
Life History
Not much known. Most coral snakes are mainly nocturnal and terrestrial (often burrow in loose soil and leaf litter), and are not aggressive. Feed mainly on locally available lizards, invertebrates, and smaller snakes. Probably oviparous with clutch size typically less than 15 eggs.
Comments
Not much known. Most coral snakes have highly potent neurotoxic venom, which can be injected through grooved, fixed front fangs. Due to their small mouths, coral snake bites of humans usually occur on a finger or toe, and usually when the victim tries to catch or molest the snake.