Peruvian Coral Snake

The Peruvian coral snake is limitd to southern Ecuador and northern Peru.

Peruvian Coral Snake (Micrurus peruvianus)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Peruvian coral snake, coral Peruana, naca-naca, serpiente de coral

Distinguishing Features

Small tri colored coralsnakes, adults usually less than 60 cm long. Snout and top of head all black. Body with relatively broad reddish rings alternating with 16 to 27 somewhat narrower black rings, which are each edged with yellow or white (rybyr or rwbwr). On some specimens, reddish rings are completely melanic (black), especially dorsally. Tail usually with 4 to 9 wide black rings alternating with narrower yellow ones.

Geographical Range

Limitd to southern Ecuador and northern Peru.

Habitat

Lower montane dry forest in the semiarid foothills of the inter Andean basins, at 500 to 1,500 m elevation.

Life History

No data. Most species of coral snakes usually are not aggressive, are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular, are mainly terrestrial (and burrow into soft soil and litter), are oviparous, and prey on local other snakes, lizards, frogs and invertebrates.

Comments

Not much known. Most species of coral snakes have highly potent neurotoxic venom, which can be injected through a pair of grooved, fixed, upper front fangs. Due to the small size of their mouths, coral snakes' bites to humans usually occur on a toe or finger, and usually during an attempt to capture the snake.