Black-headed Coral Snake
Micrurus nigrocinctus
One of the most widespread and frequently recorded coral snakes of Central America, with a solid black head and tricolor banded body.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Central America (Mexico to Colombia)
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Overview
The black-headed coral snake is among the most commonly documented coral snakes across Central America, ranging from southern Mexico to Colombia. It is easily recognized by its solid black head cap and tricolor ringed body pattern, which varies somewhat between its numerous recognized subspecies.
While venomous, it is a shy, ground-dwelling snake that avoids confrontation and prefers to remain hidden.
How to identify it
- Solid black head with no pale band immediately behind it, distinguishing it from many congeners
- Triads of black rings separated by red, bordered by narrow white or yellow rings on the body
- Smooth scales, cylindrical slender body
- Small head barely distinct from neck; round pupils
- Wide distribution and variable subspecies pattern require care with regional lookalikes
Habitat & range
Occupies a broad range of habitats from humid lowland rainforest to drier tropical forest and forest edge, from sea level to about 1,500 m elevation, across Mexico, Central America, and into Colombia.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Mostly nocturnal and secretive, though sometimes seen moving during the day after rain. Preys on other snakes, lizards, and amphisbaenians. Lays eggs for reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called black-headed?
Because its entire head is solid black, without the pale band seen behind the head in many related species.
Is it one of the more common coral snakes?
Yes, it is among the most frequently recorded Micrurus species in Central America.
Is it dangerous?
It is venomous, though it is shy and bites are uncommon.
Where is it found?
From southern Mexico through Central America into Colombia.
Black-headed Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Black-headed Coral Snake.
