Aesculapian False Coral Snake
Oxyrhopus rhombifer
A mildly venomous South American colubrid that mimics true coral snakes with bold red, black, and white banding.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina
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Overview
The Aesculapian False Coral Snake is a rear-fanged colubrid native to South America, notable for its convincing mimicry of venomous coral snakes. It inhabits a range of forest and open habitats across the continent.
Although it possesses mild venom delivered via rear fangs, it poses little danger to humans and is primarily a predator of small vertebrates.
How to identify it
- Bands or rhomboid blotches of red, black, and white/cream
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Head slightly distinct from neck
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from true coral snakes by irregular blotch shape rather than uniform rings, and rear-positioned fangs
Habitat & range
Occupies a range of habitats including tropical forest, savanna, and disturbed areas across Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, foraging for lizards, small mammals, and other snakes. Uses mild venom delivered through rear fangs to subdue prey. Reproduces by laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Aesculapian False Coral Snake dangerous to humans?
It is only mildly venomous via rear fangs and poses minimal risk to people.
How does it differ from true coral snakes?
It has irregular rhomboid blotches rather than uniform rings, and its fangs are positioned toward the rear of the jaw rather than fixed front fangs.
What does it eat?
Small lizards, mammals, and other snakes.
Aesculapian False Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Aesculapian False Coral Snake.
