Venomous Animals - M

Macrelaps microlepidotus
Macroprotodon cucullatus
Macrovipera deserti
Macrovipera lebetina
Macrovipera mauritanica
Macrovipera schweizeri
Malpolon monspessulanus
Mesobuthus eupeus
Mesobuthus martensii
Mesobuthus spp.
Mesobuthus tamulus
Micropechis ikaheka
Micropechis spp.
Micruroides euryxanthus
Micrurus albicinctus
Micrurus alleni
Micrurus altirostris
Micrurus ancoralis
Micrurus annellatus
Micrurus averyi
Micrurus baliocoryphus
Micrurus bernadi
Micrurus bocourti
Micrurus bogerti
Micrurus brasiliensis
Micrurus browni
Micrurus catamayensis
Micrurus circinalis
Micrurus clarki
Micrurus corallinus
Micrurus decoratus
Micrurus diana
Micrurus diastema
Micrurus dissoleucus
Micrurus distans
Micrurus dumerilii
Micrurus elegans
Micrurus ephippifer
Micrurus filiformis
Micrurus frontalis
Micrurus fulvius
Micrurus hemprichii
Micrurus hippocrepis
Micrurus ibiboboca
Micrurus isozonus
Micrurus langsdorfii
Micrurus laticollaris
Micrurus latifasciatus
Micrurus lemniscates
Micrurus limbatus
Micrurus margaritiferus
Micrurus medemi
Micrurus meridensis
Micrurus mertensi
Micrurus mipartitus
Micrurus multifasciatus
Micrurus multiscutatus
Micrurus nebularis
Micrurus nigrocinctus
Micrurus oligoanellatus
Micrurus ornatissimus
Micrurus pachecogili
Micrurus paraensis
Micrurus peruvianus
Micrurus petersi
Micrurus proximans
Micrurus psyches
Micrurus putumayensis
Micrurus pyrrhocryptus
Micrurus remotus
Micrurus ruatanus
Micrurus sangilensis
Micrurus serranus
Micrurus spixii
Micrurus spurrelli
Micrurus steindachneri
Micrurus stewarti
Micrurus stuarti
Micrurus surinamensis
Micrurus tener
Micrurus tschudii
Montatheris hindii

Macrelaps microlepidotus

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Identification

Family: Colubridae

Scientific Names: Atractaspis natalensis, Uriechis microlepidotus

Common Names: Natal black snake, Natal-Schwarzschlange

Description

Medium-sized, stout, burrowing snake, adults usually 60-90 cm long (max. 120 cm); body color uniform black to jet-black above & slghtly lighter below. Dorsal scales smooth, & in 23-27 midbody rows. Small head w/ minute eyes, not distinct from neck. Fixed small upper fangs located below the eyes, not in the front of the mouth.

Habitat

Mainly found in damp localities in forests & along streams. Limited to coastal regions of eastern South Africa (Zululand to East London). Cryptic even within its limited range.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal, apparently semi-fossorial (burrowing). Often shelters beneath rotting logs, under stones, in leaf litter, animal burrows, or stormwater drains. May be seen moving about on warm overcast or rainy days. Swims well. Seldom tries to bite, even when handled. Preys on small mammals, other snakes, etc. Oviparous w/ up to 10 eggs/ clutch.

Venom Characteristics

Very little is known about its venom, however, although they are very rare, bites may be serious. May bite unexpectedly, even after being very docile for a long period of captivity. Collapse & loss of consciousness for up to 30 minutes has been reported. No known antivenom produced.

Macroprotodon cucullatus

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Identification

Family: Colubridae

Scientific Names: Coluber cucullatus, Coronella brevis, C. cucullata, Lycognathus cucullatus, L. textilis, Macroprotodon brevis, M. cucullatus brevis, M. c. cucullatus, M. c. ibericus, M. c. mauritanicus, M. mauritanicus, M. moroccanuss, M. textilis, Psammophytax cucullatus

Common Names: Balearic false smooth snake, culebra de copulla, kaputzennatter, cobra-de-capuz, colubra dal cappuccio, mutslang, crowned snake, hooded snake, cowl snake

Description

Small to medium-sized, relatively slender, adults seldom more than 65 cm long. Body usually light brown, gray or yellowish, sometimes w/ shades of pink mixed in; w/ faint black markings on sides. Often has scattered dark brown to black dorsal flecks or blotches, in no definite pattern. Usually has a dark "horse-shoe" shaped mark on top of its head. Belly usually pink, yellow, or white, often checkered w/ dark (blackish) blotches.

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Habitat

Found mainly in open woodlands, sandy scrub, hedgerows, grassy hillsides, rock slides, meadows, fields near rocky hillsides, & in rock walls. Often shelters in damp rock crevices & tunnels. Widespread through much of southwestern Europe & northern Africa. Occurs from near sea level to about 500 m elevation. Oviparous, w/ usually 5-7 eggs per clutch.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly diurnal & terrestrial, basks in sunlight; constricts smaller prey (mainly lizards, but also small snakes & snake eggs, mice, & occasionally small birds). Usually avoids humans & other large animals. Often shelters in damp rock crevices & tunnels.

Venom Characteristics

Not well known, but apparently at least mildly neurotoxic, & has caused numbness in a human's whole limb (e.g., arm) for a few hours.

Macrovipera deserti

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Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Daboia lebetina deserti, Vipera lebetina deserti, V. mauritanica (in part), V. mauritanica deserti

Common Names: Desert viper, North African desert adder

Description

Large, stout-bodied viper (adder), w/ short, broad head, rounded snout, keeled scales, 27 midbody dorsal scale rows, adults up to 1.3 m long; body grayish to dirty cream, heavily patterned w/ 24-25 rounded dark gray-brown blotches in zig-zag pattern w/ appearance of irregular narrow cream dorsolateral bars that reach the vertebral line but seldom meet. Head gray w/ dark postocular stripe, pattern fades w/ age, belly light gray, rather long tail.

Habitat

Found mainly on well-vegetated rocky mountain slopes, in southern Morocco, Algeria, Libya, & Tunisia.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly terrestrial, slow moving, nocturnal (most active from dusk through early night hours); hides in rock caves, under debris, or in rodent burrows in daytime, preys mainly on small mammals. When threatened, coils, flattens body, hisses, & will strike suddenly if further disturbed.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known, probably mainly hemotoxic; no reported serious bites (envenomations) of humans.

Macrovipera lebetina

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Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Coluber lebetinus, Daboia lebetina, D. l. lebetina, D. l. obtusa, D. l. peilei, D. l. transmedeterranea, D. l. turanica, Macrovipera lebetina cernovi, M. l. lebetina, M. l. obtusa, M. l. peilei, M. l. transmediterranea, M. l. turanica, M. deserti, M. mauritanica, Vipera euphratica, Vipera lebetina, V. l. euphratica, V. l. lebetina, V. l. mauritanica, V. l. obtusa, V. l. peilei, V. l. schweizeri, V. l. transmedeterannea, V. l. turanica, V. mauritanica, V. obtusa, V. xanthina

Common Names: Levantine viper, Blunt-nosed viper, Levantenotter, Lebetine viper, Lavantadder, Vipere lebetine, kufi

Description

Medium to large, robust snake, adults usually 70-115 cm long (max. 180 cm); body usually light gray, khaki, or buff, to reddish-brown, w/ double row of opposing or alternating dorsal spots from head to tail. Dark lines usually form a "V-mark", pointing forward, on top of the head. Females usually darker, background color brownish; males usually lighter, background color grayish. Belly light gray to yellow, w/ small dark brown spots; tail short, tapers abruptly, underside of tip yellow.

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Habitat

Found in a wide variety of habitats from marshes & plains at sea level to mountainous areas up to 2,000 m elevation. Also semi-desert areas & rocky, hilly country at moderate elevations, w/ scattered bushes & adequate water supply. Often near farms. Rather wide spread in southern Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, & southern Asia.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial. Most active & alert at night, usually very slow-moving & almost oblivious to stimuli during day, but temperament unpredictable, & may suddenly strike quickly & savagely.

Venom Characteristics

Venom mainly hemotoxic. Envenomation causes sharp pain at site of bite, followed by local swelling & necrosis. Numerous serious envenomations & deaths of humans reported each year.

Macrovipera mauritanica

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Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Clotho mauritanica, Daboia lebetina mauritanica, Echidna mauritanica, Macrovipera mauretanica, Vipera confluenta, V. lebetina mauritanica, V. mauritanica mauritanica

Common Names: Moorish viper, blunt-nosed African viper, Altasotter

Description

Large, fat-bodied viper (adder), w/ distinct head, narrow snout, keeled scales, adults up to 1.8 m long; body brownish-gray (rarely pale reddish or brown) w/ conspicuous pattern of 23-33 dorso-lateral blotches which touch along vertebral line, forming a darker broad dorsal zig-zag mark, belly lighter, 26-27 midbody dorsal scale rows, relatively long tail.

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Habitat

Mainly found in wooded steppe & rocky mountain slopes. Limited to Morocco, northern Algeria, & Tunisia near the coast.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly terrestrial & nocturnal (dusk & early night hours), slow-moving, hides in rock caves, rodent burrows or under brush in daytime. When disturbed, adopts a striking posture, flattens head, & give a deep hiss. Mainly preys on small mammals, sometimes birds; young also eat lizards. Oviparous, w/ up to 18 eggs/ clutch.

Venom Characteristics

Not well known, but mainly hemotoxic; >60 known bites (envenomations) of humans; most w/ local swelling & bruising, pain, & hematological abnormalities (3 fatalities reported). Large amount of venom & long fangs may make significant envenomation more likely.

Macrovipera schweizeri

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Identification

Family: Viperidae

Scientific Names: Daboia lebetina schweizeri, Vipera lebetina siphnensis, V. l. schweizeri, V. schweizeri

Common Names: Milos viper, Milosotter

Description

Moderately large, semi-arboreal, fairly stout-bodied viper, adults usually 70-100 cm long; body light gray to orange or black, w/ (or without) faint dorsal crossbars, moderately long tail.

Habitat

Found mainly in brushy, rocky hillsides, often near water. Limited to four small Greek islands (Miols, Syphnos, Kimolos, & Polynos). Possibly Europe's most endangered snake species.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly crepuscular or nocturnal, but sometimes ambushes prey in daytime. Preys mainly on migrating passerine birds & sometimes small rodents. Ambush prey by water holes, or climb into bushes to capture roosting birds. Oviparous, w/ up to 10 eggs/ clutch.

Venom Characteristics

Not well known, probably mainly hemotoxic, procoagulant & hemorrhagic. Bites of humans have been reported (but no documented fatalities).

Malpolon monspessulanus

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Identification

Family: Colubridae

Scientific Names: Coelopeltis insignitus, C. lacertina, C. monspessulanus, Coluber insignitus, C. monspessulanus, Malpolon monspessulanus, Malpolon monspessulanus indignitus, M. m. monspessulanus, Natrix lacertina

Common Names: Montpellier snake, Eidechsennater, Hagedisslang

Description

Large, moderately slender, rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) snake, adults 1.2-1.5 m long (max. 2.5 m); body usually blackish, grayish, brown, or olive; belly yellowish-white. May have indistinct pattern of brown spots along sides. Head distinctive; large fixed upper rear fangs.

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Habitat

Found mainly in dry, open, or stony areas, w/ low bushy vegetation, or semi-desert areas along coast. Found at greater than 2,000 m elevation; mainly found in countries bordering the Mediterranean or Black Seas.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly diurnal & mainly terrestrial (but climbs into bushes). Aggressive; will bite if pestered or restrained. Sometimes a savage biter. Mainly preys on small mammals, sometimes also on birds or lizards.

Venom Characteristics

Venom moderately neurotoxic; may cause immediate pain, stiffness, swelling, & fever. Neurological symptoms, such as Central Nervous System depression, ptosis, & paresis of affected limb, difficulty swallowing, observed for up to 48 hours in severe cases.

Mesobuthus eupeus

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Identification

Family: Buthidae

Scientific Names: Buthotus eupeus, Buthus eupeus

Common Names: Lesser Asian scorpion

Description

Medium-sized scorpions (adults usually 50-80 mm long). Body usually medium yellow-brown to darker brown dosally, w/ legs & cauda lighter brown or yellowish-brown (often w/ greenish tinge), 5th caudal segment often dark. Median dorsal ocular tubercle prominent, 2 darker brown longitudinal stripes on dorsal cephalothorax. Dorsal keels form distinct "H-shaped" & lyre-shaped designs on top of carapace.

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Habitat

Typically found under stones & similar cool, moist sites within relatively dry, rocky, sparsely vegetated places, & usually remote from human habitations. Very wide-spread geographically in the Palearctic region. May be present but not yet documented from additional Middle Eastern & southwestern Asian countries (e.g., Kazachstan, Jordan, Lebanon, Iseael, northern India).

Activity and Behavior

Nocturnal (but sometimes active at dawn or dusk), & mainly terrestrial, but can climb well. Ovoviviparous, & preys on locally available insects & arthropods.

Venom Characteristics

Not well documented, but mainly neurotoxic, w/ cytotoxic (& possibly cardiotoxic) factors. Envenomations by this species usually cause localized pain, swelling, redness, & often discoloration. Stings of nomadic & rural humans are fairly common in remote locations (usually due to their disturbing stones in sandaled feet, or while sleeping on the ground), but serious systemic effects or fatalities are reportedly rare.

Mesobuthus martensii

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Identification

Family: Buthidae

Scientific Names: Buthotus martensi, Buthus martensi

Common Names: Martens' scorpion

Description

Small to Medium-sized scorpion, adults usually about 35-50 mm long (max. 60+ mm). Cephalothorax & preabdomen brown to blackish dorsally, legs, pedipalps & postabdomen (cauda) & telson usually yellow (except 5th caudal segment darker). Pincer tips & telson spine (sting) very dark. Distinct "H-shaped" & "lyre-shaped" pattern of keels on top of carapace. Young specimens (juveniles) often have a distinct reddish tinge in their legs, pedipalps, & cauda.

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Habitat

Mainly found under stones or in similarly cool, moist sites within relatively dry or seasonally dry & sparsely-vegetated areas. Mainly occur naturally in sites outside human habitations, but sometimes found inside buildings. Distribution includes some seasonally very cold regions (e.g., Mongolia, North Korea), where it is most active during the summer (hotest) months.

Activity and Behavior

Usually remain relatively inactive during colder months, usually nocturnal but sometimes diurnal; depending on ambient temperatures, any recent rains, & the habits & abundance of locally available primary prey insects & arthropods. Terrestrial, but climb well. Tend to avoid humans, but sting readily if molested, stepped on, or trapped inside clothing being donned. Ovoviviparous, typical litter size not reported.

Venom Characteristics

Mainly neurotoxic, w/ cytotoxic (& possibly also cardiotoxic) factors. Stings usually cause localized pain, swelling, & redness (& occasionally discoloration). This species causes a considerable number of stings of humans annually in parts of its range, but serious envenomations are not common, & human fatalities (reported to have been caused by this species) have not been well documented.

Mesobuthus spp.

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Identification

Family: Buthidae

Scientific Names: Buthotus spp., Buthus spp. [Note: There are currently at least 13 valid named species in this Old World genus, but only a few cause significant or frequent human envenomations & only one, M. tamulus, causes significant numbers of human deaths annually.]

Common Names:

Description

Most species in this genus are medium-sized scorpions (adults usually 50-90 mm long), dorsally dark (usually brownish) scorpions w/ lighter (usually yellowish or greenish) legs, pedipalps & cauda. Most species have keels that form raised "H-shaped" & "lyre-shaped" patterns on the dorsal carapace, & most have darker dorsal longitudinal stripes (w/ pattern varied by spp.) on their cephalothorax.

Habitat

Found most often outdoors, under rocks or in similar fairly cool, moist situations within a relatively dry (sometimes seasonally dry, or even arid), rocky, sparsely-vegetated landscape. Limited to the Middle-East & Asia (Palearctic; w/ distribution varied by individual species).

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (see details for individual species presented separately).

Venom Characteristics

Mainly neurotoxic, w/ cytotoxic (& cardiotoxic) factors in the venom of some species (see individual species details presented separately).

Mesobuthus tamulus

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Identification

Family: Buthidae

Scientific Names: Buthotus tamulus, Buthus grammurus, B. tamulus, B. t. concanensis, B. t. gangeticus, B. t. grammurus, B. t. gujaratensis, B. t. sindicus, B. t. typicus, Mesobuthus tamulus concanensis, M. t. gangeticus, M. t. grammurus, M. t. gujaratensis, M. t. sindicus, M. t. typicus, Scorpio martensii (in part), S. nigro-lineatus

Common Names: Indian red scorpion, red scorpion

Description

Medium to large-sized scorpion, adults usually 65-90 mm long (max. 94+ mm). Body color variable, may be mainly black, brown, reddish-brown, greenish, or yellow. Often most of body has reddish tinge. Appendages usually yellow to pale brown, sometimes w/ longitudinal, median, dorsal, double stripe on mesosoma. Reddish body color often very pronounced in young (immature) specimens.

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Habitat

Found under stones, seldom inside humans' houses, throughout India, at a range from near sea level to >500 m elevation. Apparently seems to "prefer" cool, moist sites. So far only reported from India, but may occur in suitable habitats in adjacent Pakistan & Banglsdesh.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal, sometimes active at dusk, & terrestrial (but climbs very well). Ovoviviparous, reported litter size 30-61. Prey on available insects & other arthropods (sometimes cannibalistic in captivity).

Venom Characteristics

Potent neurotoxin(s). Causes a large number of human envenomatiuons & some deaths (especially of small children) each year in India.

Micropechis ikaheka

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Coluber ikaheka, Micropechis ikaheka fasciatus, M. i. ikaheka, Ophiophagus ikaheka var. fasciatus

Common Names: New Guinea small-eyed snake, ikaheka snake

Description

Medium to large-sized, rather stout-bodied, smooth scaled semi-aquatic snake, adults usually 0.6-1 m long (max. 2.0 m); body color variable, usually yellowish, cream, or light brownish, often w/ darker brown or reddish crossbands (narrower toward tail). Head narrow, distinct from neck, gray (may be black above), blunt, w/ tiny dark eyes. Belly yellow. Tip of tail black above.

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Habitat

Mainly found in monsoon & rain forest areas, swamps, & plantations. When on land, often found under old coconut husks, from sea level up to 1,500 m elevation. Most commonly seen in drier months. Limited to Indonesia & New Guinea.

Activity and Behavior

Both diurnal & nocturnal, but seldom seen during day. Semi-aquatic, & generally secretive, species which frequently also burrows in leaf litter or loose soil. Eats lizards, other snakes (including its own species), small mammals, & frogs. Has a tenaceous "chewing" biting behavior. Oviparous w/ no clutch size reported.

Venom Characteristics

Highly myotoxic, hemotoxic, & neurotoxic; causes myalgia, muscle tenderness, & severe neuromuscular paralysis. Minor symptoms include nausea, severe headache, & prolonged weakness. Unconsciousness & respiratory arrest reported within 2 hours; death reported within 7 hours. No known antivenom currently produced.

Micropechis spp.

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: [Note: Some VERY rare genera of related Elapid snakes (not included here), also sometimes called "small-eyed" or "coral" snakes, w/ biologies similar to Micropechis, are retricted to parts of Bouganville, Fiji, New Guinea, or the Solomon Is. These include: Aspidomorphus (3 spp.); Loveridgelaps (1 sp.); Ogmonon (1 sp.), Parapistocalamus (1 sp.), Solomonelaps (1 sp.); & Toxicocalamus (9 spp.).]

Common Names: Small-eyed snakes

Description

Small to medium-sized, moderately stocky-bodied snakes, adults usually 50-70 cm long (max. about 120 cm). Body color variable, usually yellowish to brownish, w/ darker brownish rings (which become narrower toward tail). Belly usually yellowish. Head & tip of tail black above. Head narrow, distinct from neck, w/ relatively small eyes.

Habitat

Monsoon & rain forest areas, swamps, & plantations. Often found in in swamps & along forest creeks. When on land, frequently found under old coconut husks & similar organic debris. Most commonly encountered in drier months.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly diurnal, semi-aquatic &/or semi-fossorial (burrowing); but some spp. may be nocturnal, or both. Seldom seen in daytime. Generally secretive, burrow in leaf litter or loose, sandy soil. Oviparous, w/ clutch size not reported. Mainly eat available small mammals, lizards & frogs.

Venom Characteristics

Highly myotoxic, causing myalgia, muscle tenderness, & severe neuromuscular paralysis. Minor symptoms include nausea, severe headache, & prolonged weakness. Unconsciousness & respiratory arrest reported within 2 hours; death within 7 hours, due to bites (envenomation) by one spp. in this genus (see M. ikaheka").

Micruroides euryxanthus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps euryxanthus, Micrurus euryxanthus, Micruroides euryxanthus australis, M. e. euryxanthus, M. e. neglectus

Common Names: Sonoran coral snake, western coral snake, Arizona coral snake, Arizona-Korallenotter, corallito, corallito de Sonora, sikkucha'a, s-wawpani

Description

Small, slender, tricolored coral snake, adults usually 40-50 cm long (max. 55 cm); Snout black to behind eyes, yellow or white nuchal (neck/ back part of head) ring. Dorsal pattern usually broad to very broad red rings alternating w/ black rings, w/ narrower yellowish rings between each other 2 colors of rings, producing a red-yellow-black-yellow-red-yellow (RYBYRY) sequence. Dorsal scales smooth, in 17 parallel longitudinal midbody rows.

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Habitat

Mainly found in deserts, mesquite grasslands, tropical deciduous forest, thorn forest & lower pine-oak forest; found in loose, sandy soil in rocky areas, open woodlands, & plains, up to at least 1,800 m elevation. Limited to the U.S. (southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico) & Mexico (Sonora, Sinaloa).

Activity and Behavior

Mainly terrestrial & nocturnal; may appear on the surface during overcast or rainy days. When disturbed, usually tries to escape or will raise & curl tail. If aggitated, will bite, & expel gas loudly for its size. Most bites occur during attempts to capture a specimen. Oviparous w/ usually 1-3 eggs/ clutch. Eats mainly other snakes (cannibalistic) & lizards, rarely also small mammals & invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Not well known, but most coral snakes have venom which is mainly neurotoxic. Although seldom agressive, even when handled gently, this species has historically caused numerous human fatalities via its envenomations. Death is reportedly most often due to nerve blockage causing respiratory failure.

Micrurus albicinctus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Micrurus ornatissimus, M. waehnerorum

Common Names: White-ringed coral snake, cobra-coral, cobra-coral de cincta branca

Description

Small, bi-colored black-&-white coral snake, adults usually 40-50 cm long (max. 57.3 cm); body has appearance of generally black w/ row of dorsal white blotches or spots (instead of white cross bands) encircling the body.

Habitat

Found mainly in lowland rainforest, in Mato Grosso, Rondania, & Amazonas, in the middle Amazon in northwestern Brazil (may also occur in similar habitats in southeastern tip of Colombia &/or northeastern tip of Peru, but no specimens confirmed from there, so far.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial. Not much known.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known, but nearly all coral snakes have mainly neurotoxic venom. No human envenomations reported, so far.

Micrurus alleni

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Micrurus alleni alleni, M. a. richardi, M. a. yatesi, M. nigrocinctus alleni, M. n. yatesi, M. yatesi

Common Names: Allen’s coral snake, coral, coralillo, coral cabeza flecha, coral de agua, coral macho

Description

Medium-sized, tricolored coral snake, adults usually 0.6-0.8 m long (max. 1.3 m). Black cap on top of head extends rearward, nearly bisecting a broad yellow crossband; body usually w/ alternating broad dull red & black rings separated by much narrower yellow or white rings (rybyr). Color patterns differ between some Atlantic versant vs. Pacific versant populations.

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Habitat

Found most commonly in lowland rainforest & subtropical wet forest, occasionally along rivers in drier areas. Mainly found below 1,000 m; but has been found up to 2,000 m elevaation in Costa Rica.

Activity and Behavior

A secretive, but a fairly common snake (M. alleni is responsible for many coral snakebites in Central America). Sometimes found close to human dwellings. Coral snakes usually are nonaggressive; most bites occur during attempts to capture the snake.

Venom Characteristics

Specific data are lacking; coral snake venoms primarily are neurotoxic.

Micrurus altirostris

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps altirostris, E. heterochilus, Micrurus frontalis altirostris, M. f. multicinctus, M. lemniscatus multicinctus

Common Names: Uruguayan coral snake, boipinima, cobra-coral-pampeana, cobra-coral uraguaia, coral uraguaia, vibora de coral

Description

Small to medium-sized, adults usually 50-70 cm long (max. 131 cm); a tricolored coral w/ 11-18 complete triads of black rings (bwbwb) on body, each red ring nearly as wide as each adjacent triad. Dorsal scales smooth, edges of red & black rings look "jagged" because each scale is all red (or all black). Tail rather short w/ <2 whole triads.

Habitat

Lowland deciduous forest & open areas, like savannahs, & pampas, survives well in areas moderately altered by human activity. Found from sea level to about 400 m elevation in Uruguay, northeastern Argentina, southern Brazil, & possibly also in extreme southeastern Paraguay (but no specimens reported from there, yet).

Activity and Behavior

Not much known, mainly terrestrial, mainly nocturnal.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known for this species, but most coral snake venoms are mainly neurotoxic.

Micrurus ancoralis

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps marcgravii var. ancoralis, E. ancoralis, E. rosenbergi, Micrurus ancoralis ancoralis, M. a. jani

Common Names: Regal coral snake, coral, coralillo, Gargantilla, coral rey

Description

Medium-sized tricolored coral, adults usually 70-90 cm long (max. 151 cm); most of head red (M. ancoralis jani w/ a distinct oblique white marking on each side of neck), body w/ a series of broad red rings (often heavily stippled w/ black in M. a. ancoralis) alternating w/ 12-24 triads (bwbwb) on body & 1-2 more on tail. Individual white rings may often (each) be wider along flanks & may run at an slightly oblique angle.

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Habitat

Found mainly in tropical rainforest & lower montane wet forest usually at <1,500 m elevation; but reported up to 2,300 m in Colombia. Probably limited to Pacific lowland of eastern Panama, western Colombia, southern Ecuador & far northwestern Peru.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (semi-burrowing). Not well known. Coral snakes usually are nonaggressive. Oviparous w/ clutch size not reported (but probably <10 eggs/ clutch). This species eat mainly available other snakes, lizards, & frogs, & (less often) invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Most coral snakes have highly potent neurotoxic venom in glands located in the upper jaw, which can be injected through grooved, fixed, upper front fangs. Due to their small mouths, most coral snakes bites to humans usually occur on a finger or toe. Bites usually occur during attempts to catch the snake.

Micrurus annellatus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps annelatus, E. balzani, E. regularis, Micrurus annellatus annellatus, M. a. balzani, M. a. bolivianus, M. a. montanus, M. balzani, M. langsdorffii [Note: Tri-colored forms of this sp. MAY be a related, but undescribed, species w/ a very limited distribution within Peru.]

Common Names: Annellated coral snake, cobra-coral anelada, coral anilada, naca-naca

Description

Small, thin tricolored (bicolored in some specimens) coral snake, adults usually 20-30 cm long (max. 70 cm); Usually overall dark blue to blackish, w/ narrow rings of white, yellow, pale blue (M. a. annellatus), or dull red (M. a. balzani). When tricolored, it is black, red, & yellow; & does NOT have any "triads."

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Habitat

Mainly found in montane wet forest & cloud forest; may be found in lower montane dry forest in Bolivia. Occurs at 300-2,000 m elevation. Limited to Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, & Peru (a record from southernmost Colombia not yet verified).

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Most coral snakes usually are nonaggressive. Probably preys on locally available lizards, invertebrates or other small snakes. Probably oviparous w/ typical clutch size <15 eggs.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known for this spesies. Most coral snakes have highly potent mainly neurotoxic venom, produced by glands in the upper jaw, which can be injected through grooved, fixed upper front fangs. Due to their small mouth, coral snakes' bites to humans usually occur on a finger, toe, or webbing between such digits; & bites occur during attempts to catch or molest the snake.

Micrurus averyi

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names:

Common Names: Black-headed coral snake, cobra-coral cabeca preta, coral cabeza negra, kraka sneki, kraka sneki nanimak

Description

Small to medium-sized, thin-bodied coral snake, w/ max. adult length 70+ cm. Body w/ 8-13 very narrow black rings (edeged on each side w/ a thin white/yellow ring or row of spots) separated by very broad (wide) red rings (rybyr); tail is black w/ 4-7 more narrow "yby" bands. Has a pair of fixed upper front fangs.

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Habitat

Mainly found in wetter forested areas from sea level up to at least 600 m elevation. Limited to Manaus, Brazil, Guyana, & Suriname.

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Most coral snakes are mainly terrestrial, partly fossorial (burrowing in leaf litter or soft soil), & usually are nonaggressive. Most species prey on locally available lizards, invertebrates or other small snakes. Most spp. are oviparous w/ typical clutch size <15 eggs.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known for this species. Most species of coral snakes have highly potent neurotoxic venom. Due to the small size of their mouth, coral snakes' bites to humans usually occur on a finger, toe or on webbing between such digits; & occur during attempts to catch or molest the snake.

Micrurus baliocoryphus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps baliocoryphus, Micrurus frontalis baliocoryphus, M. f. frontalis (in part), M. f. mesopotamicus

Common Names: Mesopotamian coral snake, biopinima, coral, coral mesopotamica, cobra coral mesopotamica

Description

Small to medium-sized, tri-colored coral snake, adults usually 50-70 cm long (max. 144 cm). Usually 9-16 black triads on body (bwb), many white dorsal scales bordered w/ a thin black margin, snout & chin white (often w/ black spotting). Dorsal junctions of red & black rings often look "jagged" because scales tend to be all black or all red. Tail short (w/ <2 complete triads).

Habitat

Found mostly in open areas such as pampas & in deciduous forest, from sea level to 200 m elevation. Limited to northeastern Argentina & Paraguay.

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Most coral snake spp. are mainly nocturnal, terrestrial or semi-fossorial (burrowing in soft soil & leaf litter) & not aggressive. Most spp. of coral snakes are oviparous w/ typically <15 eggs/ clutch. Most species feed on available lizards, other snakes, or invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known. Most coral snake venoms mainly contain potent neurotoxins. Coral snakes have small mouths, & bites to humans are usually on a finger, toe, or webbing between such digits, & usually occur when the snake was being caught or molested.

Micrurus bernadi

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps bernadi, Micrurus diastema bernadi

Common Names: Blotched coral snake, coral, coral ensillado, coralillo

Description

Medium-sized bi-colored coral snake, adults usually 55-65 cm long (max. 82+ cm). Body mainly reddish (sometimes orange) w/ 24-42 dark-brown to black dorsal spots or rounded crossbands (often divided by red scales at middorsal line). These bands sometimes go down the sides, but do not form complete rings. The head is nearly entirely dark brown or black. Tail usually w/ yellow rings alternating w/ 5-12 black rings. Rarely, some yellow scales on head.

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Micrurus browni browni, M. b. importunus, M. b. taylori, M. nigrocinctus browni, M. nuchalis, M. n. taylori

Common Names: Brown’s coral snake, coral, coral de Acapulco, coral de Antigua, coral (or coralillo) de canutos, vibora de coral

Description

Description

Small to medium-sized coral snake, adults usually 50-60 cm long (max. 90 cm); Top of head black; posterior yellow rings narrow mid-dorsally (some incomplete). Body pattern of very broad red rings (usually including some black pigment) separated by 13-20 broad black rings narrowly bordered by yellow or cream bands. Tail has 5-9 black rings.

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps affinis, E. aglaeope, E. alienus, E. apiatus, E. corallinus, E. diastema, E. epistema, E. fulvius, E. guatemalensis, Micrurus affinis, M. a. affinis, M. a. aglaeope, M. a. alienus, M. a. apiatus, M. a. mayensis, M. a. stantoni, M. diastema affinis, M. d. alienus, M. d. apiatus, M. d. diastema, M. d. macdougalli

Common Names: Variable coral snake, cantil coral, gargantilla

Description

Medium-sized coral snake, adults usually 60-75 cm long (max. about 90 cm). Snout & head usually black w/ broad yellow ring behind the eyes. Body pattern extremely variable, even within subspecies. Usually w/ broad to very broad reddish rings separated by up to 62 black rings (rarely, no black rings). Black or yellow rings may be broken dorsally or ventrally. Red ventrals often w/ black spots. Red dorsal scales often black-tipped.

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Habitat

Mainly found in tropical rain forest, tropical evergreen forest, tropical deciduous forest, lower cloud forest, & pine-oak forest. Occurs from sea level to 1,350 m elevation, mainly in Atlantic drainage of Southeastern Mexico (including most of the Yucatan), most of Belize, northeastern Guatemala, & the northwestern tip of Honduras.

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Most coral snakes are mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (often burrow in loose soil & litter) & usually are not aggressive. Mainly eat locally available lizards, invertebrates & other small snakes. Probably oviparous w/ <15 eggs/ clutch.

Venom Characteristics

Not well known. Most coral snakes have mainly neurotoxic venom. This species is a major cause of coral snake bites in Mexico & Guatemala, due to it often being confused w/ non-venomous look-a-likes. Most bites occur, mainly on fingers or toes, during attempts to capture or molest the snake.

Micrurus dissoleucus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps dissoleucus, E. gravenhorsti, E. hollandi, E. marcgravi var. gravenhorsti, E. melanogenys, Micrurus dissoleucus dissoleucus, M. d. dunni, M. d. melanogenys, M. d. meridensis, M. d. nigrirostris, M. dunni, M. hollandi, M. meridensis

Common Names: Pygmy coral snake, candelilla, candelilla barranquillera, candelilla panamena, candelilla santamartense, candelilla venezolana, coral, coralillo, coralito, coral comun, coral llanera, gargantilla

Description

Small coral snake, adults usually 28-40 cm long (max. 65 cm). Head black, w/ a white ring just behind the eyes. Neck red. Body w/ broad red rings separated by a series of 6-11 triads w/ 3 black & 2 white rings (rbwbwbr), middle black ring of each set usually somewhat broader. Both white & red dorsal scales often edged w/ black. Tail short, stout, w/ <2 triads & black-tipped.

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Habitat

Mainly found in tropical dry forest, deciduous forest, coastal scrub, lower montane dry & humid forests, llanos, & savannah (mainly semi-arid or seasonally dry areas). Found mainly below 500 m elevation. Reported from central Panama east into the Choco region, the Caribbean coastal region, lower Magdalena Valley & north-central Colombia, & extends into northern Venezuela.

Activity and Behavior

Not well known. Probably mainly nocturnal, terrestrial (may also burrow in loose soil or leaf litter) & not aggressive toward humans. Apparently abundant throughout its range & often seen around human habitations. Reportedly eats available local lizards, invertebrates & other small snakes, & is oviparous w/ small clutch sizes (not reported, but likely <12 eggs).

Venom Characteristics

Not well known. Most coral snakes have highly potent, mainly neurotoxic venom, which can be injected through grooved fixed upper front fangs. Due to the small size of their mouth, coral snake bites of humans usually occur on a finger, toe, or webbing between them & usually during an attempt to catch the snake.

Micrurus distans

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps distans, E. d. michoacanensis, E. michoacanensis, M. diastema diastema (in part), M. d. distans, M. d. michoacanensis, Micrurus distans distans, M. d. michoacanensis, M. d. oliveri, M. d. proximans, M. d. zweifeli

Common Names: West Mexican coral snake, coral, coralilla bandas claras, coralillo

Description

Medium-sized coral snake, adults usually 65-80 cm long (max. 107+ cm); tri-colored, but yellow bands very narrow or absent in some specimens from Michoacan. Red bands on body usually at least twice as wide as 6-20 black bands, tail w/ 3-6 black & alternating yellow bands.

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Habitat

FOund mainly in tropical deciduous forest & thorn forest up to 1,300 m elevation. Limited to western Mexico, Pacific drainage.

Activity and Behavior

Not well known. Probably mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (often burrowing in soft soil or leaf litter). Coral snakes usually are nonaggressive; most bites of humans occur during attempts to capture the snake. Most species in this genus are oviparous w/ clutch size <15 eggs.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known, but probably potently neurotoxic. This species reportedly is responsible for many bites (& envenomations) of humans in western Mexico.

Micrurus dumerilii

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps columbianus, E. dumerilii, E. marcgravi (in part), Micrurus antioquiensis, M. carinicauda, M. c. columbianus, M. c. dumerilii, Micrurus carinicaudus antioquiensis, M. c. transandinus, M. carollinus dumerilii, Micrurus dumerilii antioquiensis, M. d. carinicaudus, M. d. columbianus, M. d. dumerilii, M. d. transandinus, M. d. venezuelensis, M. transandinus

Common Names: Dumeril’s coral snake, coral, coralilla

Description

Medium-sized tri-colored coral, adults usually 50-70 cm long (max. 94.8 cm); Body pattern variable; usually w/ very broad red rings separated by a series of 10-27 single fairly broad black rings narrowly bordered by yellow (rybyr) or up to 14 triads (ybybyby). In some specimens, red bands are much duller, w/ most red scaled black at tip, & appear "dusky," yellow bands may be so pale they are almost white. Tail w/ 4-10 black rings alternating w/ yellow.

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Habitat

Found mainly in lower montane wet forest, tropical rainforest, tropical dry forest, & thorn forest; often found near rivers in less humid areas. Mainly below 600 m elevation, but has been reported up to 2,150 m in Colombia.

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (maybe semi-fossorial). Coral snakes usually are nonaggressive, oviparous (typically <15 eggs/ clutch), & eat locally available lizards, invertebrates & other small snakes.

Venom Characteristics

Not well known, but probably potent, mainly neurotoxic venom, which is 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, & usually during an attempt to catch the snake. This species reportedly inflicts many bites on humans annually within its range. No well-documented human fatalities, so far.

Micrurus elegans

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps elegans, Micrurus elegans elegans, M. e. veraepacis

Common Names: Elegant coral snake, coral, coral elegante, coralillo, coralilla elegante, coral punteado

Description

Medium to large coral snake, adults usually <70 cm long (max. 100+ cm); Head black w/ incomplete white ring behind eyes. Tricolored, w/ black, white (or yellow) & orange rings. Usually w/ yellowish rings separated by very broad blackish rings, each containing 2 narrower, indistinct, whitish rings that may be irregular or broken. Adults usually w/ 10-19 complete triads of black rings on body & 4-12 black rings on tail alternating w/ yellow.

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Habitat

Mainly found in lower montane dry & wet forest, pine-oak forest, cloud forest, & infrequently, in tropical deciduous forest. Found at 800-1,850 m elevation. Limited to southeastern Mexico & west-central Guatemala.

Activity and Behavior

Not well known. Most active at dawn, dusk, & early night, have been seen crawling in leaves during overcast days. Coral snakes usually are nonaggressive; most bites occur during attempts to capture the snake, & M. elegans reportedly is quick to bite if restrained. Terrestrial & oviparous w/ small clutch size (usual number of eggs not reported). Prey mainly on available lizards, invertebrates & smaller snakes.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known, but venom of most species of coral snakes is mainly neurotoxic. Human bites reported, but no reported human fatalities.

Micrurus ephippifer

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps ephippifer, Micrurus ephippifer ephippifer, M. e. zapotecus

Common Names: Oaxacan coral snake, coral, coralillo

Description

Medium-sized, tricolored coral snake, adults usually 50-75 cm long (max. 92+ cm). Head black w/ very broad orangish ring. Dorsal pattern usually w/ 13-29 fairly broad black rings alternating w/ narrower yellowish rings. Red rings usually heavily infused w/ a black "saddle" dorsally (often totally masked by black), only showing red on sides & belly. Thus, actual pattern is red-yellow-black-yellow-red (rybyr). Tail w/ 4-7 black rings.

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Habitat

Found mainly in tropical deciduous forest, pine-oak forest, & oak manzanita forest, from near sea level to >2,300 m elevation. Limited to the Pacific versant of extreme southern Mexico.

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (may burrow in loose soil or organic debris). Coral snakes usually are not aggressive. Probably prey mainly on various available local lizards, invertebrates (& maybe other smaller snakes). Probably oviparous w/ usual clutch size <15 eggs.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known. Venom of most species of coral snakes is mainly neurotoxic. Some bites, but no serious human envenomations or fatalities due to this species documented, so far. Reported bites have been associated w/ attempts to capture or molest the snake.

Micrurus filiformis

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps filiformis, Micrurus filiformis filiformis, M. f. subtilis

Common Names: Slender coral snake, cobra-coral, cobra-coral-fina, naca-naca

Description

Small to medium-sized, very slender, tricolored coral snake, adults usually 30-55 cm long (max. 96 cm). Front of head black, interrupted by a white ring just in front of eyes; rear of head & neck red. Dorsal pattern of broad red rings separated by a series of 12-20 black triads each including a pair of very thin white rings (rbwbwbr) & tail w/ 1 1/3-2 2/3 triads.

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Habitat

Mainly found in lower montane wet forests, gallery forest, & primary & secondary lowland rainforest, usually near waterways. Found up to 400 m elevation. Probably also present in southern parts of French Guiana, Guyana, & Venezuela, but no specimens confirmed yet from those areas.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (also burrows in loose substrate & enters water). Locally common around human habitation. Will defend itself aggressively. Will flatten itself, raise & curl its tail, then strike & bite violently while thrashing from side to side w/ such force that it sometimes raises itself off the ground. Oviparous (probably <15 eggs/ clutch, but not reported) & prey on locally available invertebrates, lizards, etc.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known. Venoms of most species of coral snakes have very potent neurotoxic venom which can be injected through a pair of grooved, fixed front fangs. Due to their small mouths, coral snake bites to humans usually occur on a toe or finger.

Micrurus frontalis

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps frontalis, Micrurus frontalis frontalis, M. f. altirostris (in part), M. f. baliocoryphus (in part), M. f. brasiliensis, M. f. diana (in part), M. f. mesopotamicus, M. f. multicinctus, M. f. pyrrhocryptus (in part)

Common Names: Cerrado coral snake, southern coral snake, boipinima, cobra-coral, mboi-chumbe, mboi-yvyvovo, mil colores, tres colores, vibora de coral

Description

Large, tricolored coral snake, adults usually 70-100 cm long (max. 141+ cm); Head color variable, w/ considerable white pigment on top of the snout. Body pattern usually consists of fairly broad red bands separated by a series of 10-15 narrower black triads w/ 3 black separated by 2 narrower white bands (rbwbwbr). Dorsal red scales usually tipped w/ black, may look "dusky." Tail w/ <2 complete triads.

Habitat

Found mainly in lower montane wet forest, tropical & subtropical deciduous forest, & savannas, temperate forest, sandy or rocky areas, & secondary growth, such as pastures or farm lands; often found near swamps & streams. Most common in lowlands; mainly a lowland species, found from sea level to 700 m elevation. May be present on northeastern Argentina, but no specimens confirming that, so far.

Activity and Behavior

Secretive & mainly nocturnal; mainly terrestrial or fossorial (burrowing in loose soil or leaf litter). Responsible for many coral snake bites in southeastern South America. Usually are not aggressive; most bites occur during attempts to capture the snake. Oviparous (usual egg numbers/ clutch not reported), probably prey on available local invertebrates, lizards & smaller snakes. Cannibalism by this species has been reported.

Venom Characteristics

Primarily neurotoxic (at post-synaptic junctions); also has myonecrotic factor(s). Serious human envenomations & deaths have been reported resulting from bites by this species (but identification to species is sometimes difficult within this "species group," even for professional herpetologists).

Micrurus fulvius

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Coluber fulvius, Elaps fulvius, E. trictis, Micrurus fulvius barbouri, M. f. fulvius, Vipera fulvia

Common Names: Harlequin coral snake, candy-stick snake, coral adder, eastern coral snake, Florida coral snake, garter snake, red beaded snake, thunder-and-lightening snake

Description

Medium-sized, tricolored coral snake, adults usually <80 cm long (max. 121+ cm); Head flat & very blunt, black w/ broad yellow band; moderately distinct from neck (also black). Body pattern usually consists of broad to very broad red rings (may be blotched w/ black), each bordered by a narrow yellow ring, alternating w/ 11-19 broad black rings (rybyr). Tail w/ 3-5 black rings.

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Habitat

Found mainly in fairly open (not dense) upland, mesophytic, & tropical hammocks, gladeland; high pine, scrub, & live-oak hammocks, along sand ridges, & sandy creek bottoms; mainly along sparsely-vegetated sandy-soiled coastal plains; from southeastern North Carolina through peninsular Florida & then west to southeastern Louisiana. Occurs up to 400 m elevation.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal but may be active in early morning, after rains, or on overcast days. Mainly terrestrial (burrows in soft, sandy soil & leaf litter). Usually are nonaggressive. Oviparous, 3-13 eggs/ clutch. Preys mainly on other snakes (sometimes cannibalistic).

Venom Characteristics

Venom is mainly neurotoxic, but has cardiotoxic & myonecrotic factors. Envenomation can result in major neurologic disorders, including cranial nerve paralysis; has caused a number of human fatalities. Most bites of humans occur during attempts to catch or molest the snake.

Micrurus hemprichii

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps hemprichii, Micrurus hemprichii hemprichii, M.h. ortoni, M. h. rondonianus, M. psyches, M. rondonianus

Common Names: Hemprich’s coral snake, cobra coral, corail, coral de ponzona de Mocoa, coral verdadero, coralillo, naca-naca, kraalslange, kraralsneke, kraka sneki, nanim-uxirimake, nanimuxirimkyk, serpent-corail, T'dadema, watamio

Description

Medium-sized, 2-colored coral snake, adults usually 50-60 cm long (max. 91+ cm). Front of head black, followed by very broad orangish ring; neck black. Body pattern unique for the genus, consisting of narrow orange to orange-yellow rings separated by 5-10 black triads (each triad w/ 3 black rings separated by a pair of very thin white rings; bwbwb). Tail usually w/ very broad yellow-orange band & 1/3-2 complete black triads.

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Habitat

Found mainly in moist leaf litter on the forest floor; in lower montane wet forest, seasonally dry gallery forest, & rain forest. Most common in lowlands; found from near sea level to about 1,200 m elevation.

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal & terrestrial or burrowing (in loose soil & leaf litter). Most species of coral snakes usually are nonaggressive. Oviparous (usual clutch size not reported), prey on locally available smaller snakes (may be cannibalistic), lizards, & invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known. Most coral snakes have highly potent, mainly neurotoxic venom which can be injected through a pair of grooved, fixed front fangs. Due to the small size of their mouth, coral snakes bites to humans usually occur on a toe or finger. Most bites of humans occur when the victim tries to catch or molested the snake.

Micrurus hippocrepis

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps hippocrepis, Micrurus affinis affinis (in part), M. a. hippocrepis (in part)

Common Names: Mayan coral snake, bead and coral, coral, coral de Belize, coralillo, coralsnake

Description

Small tri-colored coral snake, adults usually 50-65 cm long (max. 71 cm). Head & neck w/ alternating yellow & black rings (ybyby). Body pattern consists of moderately to very broad red rings alternating w/ 9-24 much narrower black rings (often incomplete), which are bordered w/ narrower yellow rings. Tail w/ 4-6 black rings.

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Habitat

Mainly found in tropical wet & moist forest (lowland rainforest), from sea level up to 1,000 m elevation. Limited to southern Belize & northeastern Guatemala.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (or burrowing in loose substrate). May be active during cooler parts of the day (early morning & late afternoon). Usually are nonaggressive. Oviparous (clutch size not reported), prey mainly on locally available snakes, lizards & invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known. Venom of most species of coral snakes is mainly neurotoxic. Most bites of humans occur during attempt to capture the snake. No serious envenomations or human deaths reported, yet, due to the bite of this species.

Micrurus ibiboboca

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps ibiboboca, E. marcgravi (in part), Micrurus lemniscatus (in part), M. l. ibiboboca (in part)

Common Names: Caatinga coral snake, coral, cobra de coral, coral-verdadeira, ibibboboca, kraalslang, krarasneke

Description

Medium to large 3-colored coral snake, adults usually 75-85 cm long (max. 133 cm). Front of head black & white, followed by a narrow black ring & a broad red ring. Body pattern usually broad red to reddish-brown rings separated by 7-13 triads of 5 almost equally-wide rings (3 black rings w/ 2 white rings dividing them) overall (rbwbwbr). Tail w/ <2 complete black triads.

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Habitat

Mainly found in semiarid regions of caatinga scrub, semideciduous upland forest, & cerrado savanna in northeastern Brazil; also found in more humid eastern coastal mesic forests. Probably savanna or thorn forest in the Guianas. Most common in relatively dry lowlands, but from near sea level up to 1,200 m elevation.

Activity and Behavior

Mainly terrestrial & diurnal but may be active into dusk. Not usually aggressive, tend to avoid humans & larger animals. Oviparous (clutch size probably <15 eggs, but not reported), mainly prey on other snakes, lizards & amphibians (& possibly invertebrates when young).

Venom Characteristics

Not well known. Venom of most species of coral snakes is highly potent & mainly neurotoxic. It can be injected through a pair of grooved, fixed front fangs. Due to their small mouths, coral snakes bites to humans usually occur on a finger or toe, and usually during attempts to catch or molest the snake.

Micrurus isozonus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps isozonus, E. omissus

Common Names: Venezuelan coral snake, culebra coral, acavai, cobra-coral de faixes iguais, cobra de franjas iguales, coralillo, huaymacaicha, coral norteno

Description

Medium-sized to large, 3-colored coral snake, adult usually 50-70 cm long (max. 150 cm); Head w/ snout varying from grey-white to nearly all black; remainder of head is red. Body pattern usually consists of broad red to rusty-red rings separated by 10-14 black triads (bwb) w/ the black & white bands each about equal in width. Tail w/ <2 complete black triads.

Habitat

Found mainly in semiarid & seasonally dry tropical deciduous forest, tropical thorn woodlands, & forests along watercourses. Commonly found in open or semiopen secondary growth & pasture. Occurs from near sea level to 1,400 m elevation. Limited to northern South America.

Activity and Behavior

Widespread & fairly common throughout its range, mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (will burrow in soft soil or litter). Although most coral snakes are nonaggressive, this species will often raise & curl its tail & vigorously defend itself if disturbed. Oviparous usually w/ 6-17 eggs/ clutch. Mainly preys on other snakes, lizards, amphibians & sometimes on invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Has highly potent neurotoxic venom which can be injected through a pair of grooved, fixed front fangs. Due to their small mouths, most coral snakes' bites to humans usually occur on a finger or toe & usually when victim tried to catch or molest the snake. Numerous human envenomations & some fatalities due to bites by this rather large species have been reported.

Micrurus langsdorfii

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps batesii, E. impeator, E. langsdorfi, Micrurus langsdorfii langsdorffi, M. mimosus

Common Names: Langsdorff’s coral snake, coral, cobra-coral, coralillo, naca-naca, serpiente de coral

Description

Medium-sized coral snake, usually 3-colored (sometimes 2-colored), adults usually 45-65 cm long (max. 77 cm); Appearance variable; body pattern usually w/ 18-47 fairly broad red rings alternating w/ 36-91 narrower rings of yellow, brown, or maroon (but no truly black rings), each ring separated from the next by a narrow dorsal row of 5-8 white spots (becomes a narrow white ring on belly). Tail w/ 5-11 red rings. Polychromatic populations have been reported.

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Habitat

Found mainly in lower montane wet forest & lowland rainforest; primary & secondary semi-open forests & border areas; usually at 80-500 m elevation, but has been collected at 1,500 m elevation. Seems to be most common in sites w/ accummulations of riparian leaf litter.

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal & terrestrial, but routinely burrows in leaf litter, if that is present. Like most coral snakes, this species is usually not aggressive. Oviparous (litter size not reported, but probably <15 eggs). Mainly eats other snakes (may be cannibalistic), lizards, amphibians & possibly also invertebrates, especially when young.

Venom Characteristics

Has potent neurotoxic venom that can be injected through a pair of grooved, fixed frontal fangs. Due to the small size of their mouths, coral snakes bites to humans usually occur on a toe or finger & usually during an attempt to capture or molest the snake. Few huamn bites & no serious envenomations of humans reported as caused by this species, but still should be considered a health threat.

Micrurus laticollaris

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps marcgravii, Micrurus laticollaris laticollaris, M. l. maculirostris, M. maculirostris

Common Names: Balsan coral snake, coral, coralillo

Description

Small to medium-sized 3-colored coral snake, adults usually 50-70 cm long (max. 80+ cm). Head nearly all black (snout may be grayish), w/ broad pale-yellow ring on back of head & very wide black neck ring. Body pattern usually w/ very broad red rings separated by 5-9 triads of 3 narrow black & 2 wider pale-yellow rings (rbybybr), tail has alternating wide black & pale-yellow rings. Pale-yellow rings usually so light they are almost white.

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Habitat

Found mainly in tropical deciduous forest, arid tropical scrub forest, & transition zones between pine-oak & tropical deciduous forest. Found mainly in coastal foothills of western Mexico at 300-1,800 m elevation.

Activity and Behavior

Not well known, but probably mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (& burrows in sandy soil & leaf litter). Reportedly fairly common & widespread throughout its limited range. Not very aggressive. Oviparous (litter size not reported), & preys on available other snakes, lizards, & invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Not well known, but a number of reported bites of humans by this species have resulted in severe neurotoxic symptoms. No human fatalities reported, so far.

Micrurus latifasciatus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Micrurus nuchalis, M. n. nuchalis,

Common Names: Broad-ringed coral snake, long-ringed coral snake, coral, coralillo, coralillo de bandas largas

Description

Medium-sized 3-colored coral snake, adults usually 65-85 cm long (max. 114 cm). Snout black, followed by a very broad yellow ring; back of head & neck black. Body pattern consists of very broad reddish rings (black-spotted dorsally) & 6-9 broad black rings, separated by slightly narrower yellow rings. Tail w/ 2-3 very broad black rings alternating w/ yellow rings. Red dorsal scales are uniformly black spotted.

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Habitat

Mainly found in lowland rainforest, lower montane wet forest, & lower montane moist forest (i.e., wetter forested areas) at 300-1,350 m elevation. Limited to the Pacific versant of southern Mexico (Oaxaca, Chiapas) to eastern Guatemala.

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Probably mainly nocturnal & terrestrial (may burrow into soft substrates like sand or leaf litter). Most coral snakes usually are nonaggressive; w/ bites occurring on humans' toes or fingers, & usually during attempts to capture the snake. Probably oviparous (litter size unknown). Probably preys mainly on other local snakes, lizards & invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known. Venom of most coral snakes is neurotoxic. No reported serious human envenomations or fatalities due to bites by this species, so far.

Micrurus lemniscates

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Coluber lemniscatus, Elaps frontifasciatus, E. gravenhorstii, E. heterochilus, E. lemniscatus, Micrurus helleri, Micrurus lemniscatus carvalhoi, M. l. diutius, M. l. frontifasciatus, M. l. helleri, M. l. lemniscatus, Natrix lemniscatus, Vipera lemniscata

Common Names: South American coral snake, coralillo, boichumbeguacu naca-naca, coral venenosa, boi-cora, ibiboboca, corail, hot bead snake, juba, maccourracourra, kamung, koo-mung

Description

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

Habitat

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

Activity and Behavior

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

Venom Characteristics

Not well known, mainly potently neurotoxic & 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, & usually during an attempt to catch the snake.

Micrurus limbatus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Micrurus limbatus limbatus, M. l. spilosomus

Common Names: Tuxtlan coral snake, coral, coralillo, coral de anillado de Tuxtla

Description

Medium-sized 2-colored coral snake, adults usually 55-65 cm long (max. 73+ cm). Front of head black, remainder reddish or orange. Body color reddish to orange, w/ 14-45 irregular or interrupted black rings (may be reduced to dorsal blotches in some specimens). Most dorsal red scales w/ black pigment bordering the back half, including the tip. Tail orange or reddish w/ 4-5 black rings. One pair of grooved, fixed upper front fangs.

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Habitat

Mainly found in lowland rainforest & lower montane wet forest (generally wetter forested areas); often under logs &/or in leaf litter. Occurs at low & moderate (150-1,050 m) elevations. Limited primarily to the southern slopes of Veracruz, Mexico.

Activity and Behavior

Not well known, but mainly nocturnal, also active at dusk &/or dawn (or after rain). Mainly terrestrial & burrows in loose soil & leaf litter. Most species of coral snakes are usually not aggressive & most bites occur during attempts to capture the snake, but this species will bite readily if restrained. Oviparous w/ usually 3-14 eggs/ clutch. Mainly preys on other local snakes, lizards, possibly also frogs & some invertebrates.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known. Venom of most coral snakes is mainly potently neurotoxic (sometimes w/ cytotoxic or cardiotoxic factors). Even the limited number of reports of bites &/or envenomations of humans by this species are not well documented, & no human fatalities have been reported, so far.

Micrurus margaritiferus

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names:

Common Names: Speckled coral snake, coral, coral salpicada, naca-naca

Description

Small to medium-sized 2-colored coral snake, max. adult length is 77.3 cm. Head mostly black, w/ a few small white markings. Body is black dorsally, interrupted by numerous paired narrow transverse rows of white dots. Some specimens have belly tricolored w/ black-white-brown-white-black (blk-w-brn-w-blk)sequences of rings (crossbands).

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps aequicinctus, E. anomalus, E. calamus, E. decipiens, E. decussatus, E. fraseri, E. mentalis, E. microps, E. mipartitus, E. semipartitus, Micrurus anomalus, Micrurus mipartitus anomalus, M. m. decussatus, M. m. mipartitus, M. m. semipartitus, M. m. popayanensis, M. m. rozei

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

Description

Medium to large, slender, 2-colored coral snake (w/ a reddish ring on its head & 2-5 on its tail), adults usually 60-80 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) & 34-84 black rings. Pale rings usually narrower on dorsum, black rings usually narrower on belly. Tail usually w/ 1-9 black rings alternating w/ 2-8 red-orange rings.

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps divaricatus, E. fulvius, E. melanocephalus, E. nigrocinctus, Micrurus nigrocinctus babaspul, M. n. coibensis, M. n. divaricatus, M. n. mosquitensis, M. n. nigrocinctus, M. n. ovandoensis, M. n. ruatanus, M. n. wagneri, M. n. yatesi, M. n. zunilensis, Micrurus pacheoi

Common Names: Central American coral snake, coral, Coral Centroamericana, coralillo, gargantilla, salviara, limlim, babaspul, coral macho

Description

Description

Description

Large, heavy-bodied, 3-colored coral snake, adults usually 80-110 cm long (max. 141+ cm). Head w/ area in front of eyes usually whitish w/ scattered black pigment, followed by a red ring (may be incomplete dorsally) & a black ring. Dorsal pattern varies, but usually has rather broad red rings separated by 4-9 (rarely 10) triads, each w/ 3 black separated by 2 white, yellow, or greenish rings (bwbwb, bybyb, or bgbgb), triads sometimes fuse (& become quincads). Tail w/ no more than 1 triad.

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Habitat

Mainly found on forest floors in tropical rainforest, but also found around human habitations & in savanna/ gallery forest areas in the llanos of eastern Colombia; most common in humid areas close to water. Occurs throughout most of the Amazon & Orinoco basins, from near sea level to at least 1,200 m elevation. May also occur in the French Guiana, Guyana, & Surimane, but no specimens confirmed from those countries, so far.

Activity and Behavior

Unpredictable temperament, can be highly irritable; its mouth is large enough to bite even through moderately thick clothing. Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular, but may be active in daytime on overcast days or after rain. Oviparous (clutch size not known, but probably 8-16 eggs). Preys mainly on other snakes, lizards, & amphibians (rarely, certain fish or eels).

Venom Characteristics

Venom is potently neurotoxic & this species' large size ensures ample volume available for injection. This species is one of the most dangerous coral snakes in South America. It inflicts many bites to humans each year, & often causes human fatalities, throughout its relatively large range.

Micrurus spurrelli

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps spurrelli, Micrurus mipartitus (in part), M. nicefori

Common Names: Colombian coral snake, coral

Description

Small, 2-colored coral snake, adults usually 25-40 cm long (max. 63+ cm). Head w/ black snout, followed by narrow white band, then a wider black band, & narrow white band. Body usually w/ 47-53 alternating narrow black rings (bands) & white rings. Tail w/ 4-7 black & alternating red bands. Some dorsal white scales have black tips. Known from only a few specimens & rarely seen.

Habitat

Found in tropical rainforest from near sea level to about 400 m elevation. Limited to western Colombia near the Pacific coast (the region of Pena Lisa, Rio Condoto drainage, Choco).

Activity and Behavior

Not much known. Most species of coral snakes are mainly nocturnal or crepuscular, are mainly terrestrial (& burrow in loose soil & leaf litter), usually are nonaggressive, are oviparous (w/ a small number of eggs/ clutch), & mainly eat other snakes, lizards, amphibians, invertebrates & sometimes fish or eels.

Venom Characteristics

Not much known. Like most coral snakes, it probably has 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, & usually only when the victim tries to catch or molest the snake. No well documented serious envenomations or deaths of humans caused by bites of this snake, so far.

Micrurus steindachneri

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Identification

Family: Elapidae

Scientific Names: Elaps fasslii, E. steindachneri, Micrurus langsdorffii, M. steindachneri orcesi, M. s. steindachneri

Common Names: Steindachner’s coral snake, coral, coral de Steindachner

Description

Description

Description

Small, slender terrestrial viper w/ elongate head & white lips, adults usually 20-30 cm long (max. 35 cm); body dull gray or brownish, w/ a paired series of pale-edged black, triangular blotches along its back; dorsal scales keeled, w/ 24-27 midbody rows; Belly grayish, speckled w/ darker gray, distinctive white patches on both lips, dark V-shaped mark on top of head (points forward), wide, dark postorbital stripe.

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Habitat

Found only in treeless montane moorlands, at high elevations (2,700-3,800 m). Limited to Mt. Kenya & the Aberdare range in south-central Kenya.

Activity and Behavior

Terrestrial, diurnal; lives deep in large grass tufts, which provide insulation from intensely cold nights. Often seen sunning on top of these tufts in morning. Activity is temperature dependent. Irrascible, & will bite if threatened. Ovoviviparous w/ small litter (only 2 young from a captured female). Eats chameleons, skinks, frogs, & sometimes small rodents.

Venom Characteristics

Venom likely hemotoxic. Not considered harmful to man. No serious bites or envenomations of humans reported. No known antivenom currrently produced.

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