Argentine Coral Snake
Micrurus pyrrhocryptus
A widely used common name for a monadal-patterned coral snake found across the drier regions of southern South America.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.8 m (1.3-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil
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Overview
The Argentine coral snake refers to Micrurus pyrrhocryptus populations occurring broadly across the drier open landscapes of Argentina and neighboring countries, overlapping in range and appearance with what is elsewhere called the pygmy coral snake. It typically shows a monadal pattern of black rings on a red background.
It is well adapted to the Chaco and Pampas regions, spending most of its time underground or beneath surface debris.
How to identify it
- Red body crossed by regularly spaced black rings, generally without intervening white rings
- Black head, sometimes with a pale band behind it
- Smooth scales, slender cylindrical body
- Small head indistinct from neck; round pupils
- Range and monadal pattern help distinguish it from tricolor Amazonian relatives
Habitat & range
Found in dry forest, Chaco scrubland, and grassland of Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil, typically at lowland to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and secretive, most active during warm, humid periods. Preys on other snakes and elongate reptiles. Lays eggs for reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
Is it venomous?
Yes, it possesses neurotoxic venom typical of coral snakes.
How is it patterned?
With a red body crossed by black rings, generally lacking white intervening bands.
Where is it found?
Across Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Brazil.
Is it commonly encountered?
No, it spends most of its time hidden underground or in leaf litter.
Argentine Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Argentine Coral Snake.
