South American Coral Snake

About the South American Coral Snake

Micrurus lemniscatus, commonly known as the South American coral snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to South America. Micrurus lemniscatus is a thin and brightly colored species. Adults usually have a total length (tail included) of 60–90 cm (24–35 in), but the maximum reported total length is 145 cm (57 in). The snout is black, followed by a narrow white crossband in front of the eyes, then a wider black band including the eyes. The eyes are small, and the rest of the head is red. The body pattern consists of slightly broad red rings that are separated by seven to 17 triads of three black and two white rings. The tail has two triads.

Like many coral snakes, Micrurus lemniscatus is nocturnal and terrestrial, digging in loose soil or litter. It is not aggressive towards humans, although it can attack to defend itself. Breeding of Micrurus lemniscatus is oviparous, having a clutch size of possibly 20 eggs.

Alimentation of Micrurus lemniscatus is mainly long-bodied vertebrates such as freshwater eels, gymnotiform fishes, caecilians, lizards, and snakes. Wikipedia →