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Red-Tailed Coral Snake (Micrurus mipartitus)
Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: Red-tailed coral snake, coral, coralillo, gargantilla, coral rabo de aji, cabeza de choco, candelilla, coral cabeza de choco, metagato, mataganado, carol montanera, coral rabo de candela
Distinguishing Features
Medium to large, slender, 2 colored coral snake (with a reddish ring on its head and 2 to 5 on its tail), adults usually 60 to 80 cm long (max. 120 cm); snout usually black; remainder of the head bright orange/red. Body pattern consists of alternating pale (may be white, cream, pink, or red) and 34 to 84 black rings. Pale rings usually narrower on dorsum, black rings usually narrower on belly. Tail usually with 1 to 9 black rings alternating with 2 to 8 red/orange rings.
Geographical Range
Occupies the Darien region of Panama, Pacific lowlands of Colombia (including Isla Gorgona), and the Cordilleras Occidental of Ecuador.
Habitat
Found mainly in lower montane wet forest, cloud forest, & secondary areas, including coffee groves. Occurs at up to 2,400 m elevation.
Life History
Mainly nocturnal and terrestrial (semi-fossorial), but often active during the day and often found around human habitation and agricultural sites. Most species of coral snakes are not aggressive, but this species vigorously defends itself if disturbed. Oviparous (clutch size not stated) and usually preys on available other snakes, lizards and invertebrates.
Comments
This species has potent, mainly neurotoxic venom which can be injected through grooved, upper, fixed front fangs. Due to their small mouths, coral snakes usually bite humans on a finger or toe; and most such bites occur during attempts to catch or molest the snake. This species is a major cause of bites and envenomation within its range. It causes many human deaths.