South American Coral Snake

The South American coral snake is widespread in South America.

South American Coral Snake (Micrurus lemniscates)

Order: Squamata
Family: Elapidae (fixed front- fang venomous snakes)
Other common names: South American coral snake, coralillo, boichumbeguacu naca-naca, coral venenosa, boi-cora, ibiboboca, corail, hot bead snake, juba, maccourracourra, kamung, koo-mung

Distinguishing Features

Large rather slender, brightly marked tricolored coral snake, adults usually 60 to 90 cm long (max. 145 cm). Front of head black, with narrow white ring in front of eyes; remainder of head red, eyes fairly small. Body pattern consists of moderately broad red rings separated by 7 to 17 triads of 3 black and 2 white rings, tail with no more than 2 black triads alternating with white rings.

Geographical Range

Widespread in South America.

Habitat

Found mainly in lowland forest and lower montane wet forest, often in more open savanna and gallery forest areas, and lowland flood plains, including cleared areas and near human habitations. Usually in humid areas or near aquatic sites. Occurs from near sea level to 1,000 m elevation.

Life History

Mainly nocturnal and terrestrial (may burrow in loose soil or leaf litter). Usually not aggressive, but will bite if disturbed. Oviparous (clutch size not known, but probably less than 20 eggs). Eat mainly locally available other snakes, lizads or invertebrates.

Comments

Not well known, mainly potently neurotoxic and can be injected by a pair of grooved, fixed front fangs in the upper jaw. Due to their small mouths, coral snakes' bites to humans usually occur on a finger or toe, and usually during an attempt to catch the snake.