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Panamenian Coral Snake (Micrurus stewarti)
Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Panamanian coral snake, coralilla, gargantilla
Distinguishing Features
Medium sized, relatively stout, bicolored coral snake, adults usually 50 to 70 cm long (max. 83+ cm). Front of head black and the back part red. Body patterned with relatively broad reddish (or orange, rarely white) rings separated by 13 to 25 black rings of varying width. Tail with 3 to 5 black rings. Dorsal scales of red (or orange, or white) rings usually with obvious black tips. A 2-colored yellow-and-black form of this species has been reported.
Geographical Range
Known only from El Valle de Anton and Cerro Bruja andassociated uplands (Sabanita). These localities lie in highlands of moderate elevation that flank either side of the Panama Canal.
Habitat
Mainly found in subtropical wet forest and lower montane wet forest, at 100 to 1,200 m elevation.
Life History
Not well known. Mostly nocturnal and terrestrial (burrows in loose soil and litter); quite secretive, mainly lives underground and rarely comes out in daytime. Reportedly has a mild disposition, but may occasionally bite if restrained. Most species of coral snakes usually are nonaggressive. Probably oviparous (clutch size not known, but probably small). Probably preys on locally available other snakes, lizards, amphibians, and maybe invertebrates.
Comments
Not much known. Most species of coral snakes have highly potent, mainly neurotoxic venom which can be injected through a pair of 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 them, and usually during attempts to catch or handle the snake.