Bibron's Coral Snake
Calliophis bibroni
A small, elusive coral snake endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India, named after French herpetologist Gabriel Bibron.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (16-24 in)
- Range
- Western Ghats, southern India
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Overview
Bibron's Coral Snake is a small, secretive elapid endemic to the Western Ghats of southern India. Named after French herpetologist Gabriel Bibron, it is one of several regional Calliophis coral snakes restricted to this biodiverse mountain range.
It is rarely observed due to its fossorial lifestyle, spending the majority of its time hidden underground or beneath forest floor debris.
How to identify it
- Slender body with a reddish-brown to coral dorsal coloration
- Pale yellow or cream belly, sometimes marked with dark blotches
- Smooth, glossy scales on a cylindrical body
- Small head not clearly distinct from the neck, with round pupils
- Lacks the strongly banded pattern typical of many coral snakes
Habitat & range
Found in moist evergreen forests and adjacent habitats of the Western Ghats in southern India, typically in leaf litter and loose soil at low to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and secretive, emerging mainly after rain or at night. Feeds primarily on small snakes. Lays eggs. Rarely encountered by people due to its burrowing habits and restricted range.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bibron's Coral Snake venomous?
Yes, it is venomous, but bites to people are very rare given its secretive, burrowing habits.
Where is it found?
Endemic to the Western Ghats mountain range of southern India.
How can it be identified?
By its reddish-brown, relatively unbanded body and small size, distinguishing it from more boldly patterned coral snakes.
What does it eat?
Mainly other small snakes.
Bibron's Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Bibron's Coral Snake.
