Merten's Coral Snake

The Merten's coral snake is limited to semi-arid coastal regions of southern Ecuador through most of western Peru.

Merten's Coral Snake (Micrurus mertensi)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Merten's coral snake, Chaquira, coral del desierto, coralillo

Distinguishing Features

Medium-sized 3 colored coral snake without triads, adults usually 50 to 80 cm long (max. 111 cm). Top of head nearly all black; sides of the head behind the eyes are yellow. Body pattern consists of red rings (usually strongly black-stippled) alternating with 18 to 31 black rings narrowly bordered with yellow (rybyr). Tail with 5 to 9 black rings alternating with white rings.

Geographical Range

Limited to semi-arid coastal regions of southern Ecuador through most of western Peru.

Habitat

Mainly found in tropical deciduous forest, dry tropical forest, thorn-scrub and desert; most commonly found near streams. Occurs from near sea level to 1,600 m elevation.

Life History

Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal (or crepuscular) and terrestrial (also probably burrows in loose soil or forest floor litter). Most species of coral snakes are usually not aggressive, but some will bite readily if restrained or molested. Probably oviparous (but not reported) and probably feed mainly on other snakes, lizards, frogs, or invertebrates.

Comments

Not much known. Most species of coral snakes have highly potent neurotoxic venom (some have cytotoxic or cardiotoxic factors, too) which can be injected through a pair of grooved, upper, fixed front fnags. Due to the small size of their mouth, coral snakes bites to humans usually occur on a toe or finger, and usually during attempts to capture or molest the snake.