Putumayo Coral Snake

The Putumayo coral snake is found in Peru (Loreto), northwestern Brazil, southeastern Colombia.

Putumayo Coral Snake (Micrurus putumayensis)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Putumayo coral snake, biocoral, cobra-coral do Putumayo, coral putumayense, naca-naca

Distinguishing Features

Medium sized 2 colored coral snake, adults usually 60 to 70 cm long (max. 80+ cm). Head mostly black (above and below), with a yellowish ring at neck juncture. Body patterned with alternating broad yellowish (often obscured with black pigment) and 7 to 14 black rings, with yellow rings usually shorter than adjacent black rings. Tail with 2 to 3 black rings. Yellow rings on belly often with red or orange tinge (rarely appear more orange-reddish than yellow). Dorsal yellow scales tipped with black.

Geographical Range

This species is found in Peru (Loreto), northwestern Brazil, southeastern Colombia.

Habitat

Found mainly in tropical rainforest in primary or slightly open, mature secondary forest, in Amazon basin in northwestern Brazil, southeastern Colombia, and northeastern Peru, from near sea level to at least 300 m elevation. Especially common in Mauritia palm swamp forest and wet non flooded forest.

Life History

Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal or crepuscular and terrestrial (often burrow in loose soil and litter). Most coral snakes usually are not aggressive, but will bite readily if restrained or molested. Probably oviparous (clutch size not reported) and prey on locally available other snakes, lizards, amphibians, and invertebrates (especially as juveniles).

Comments

Not much known, but 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 snake bites to humans usually occur on a toe or finger, and usually when the victim was trying to catch or molest the snake.