Blue Malayan Coral Snake

The blue Malayan coral snake is one of the most visually distinctive elapids in the world, sporting a deep iridescent blue body contrasted with a vivid red head and tail. It ranges across Southeast Asian rainforests and is considered a highly venomous species.

Research on its venom has drawn scientific interest because it contains unusual toxins that act with unusually fast onset compared to many other elapid venoms, making it a notable subject of toxinology studies.

• Long, slender body with smooth scales
• Iridescent blue-black dorsal coloration with two thin pale lateral stripes
• Bright red head and red-tipped tail
• Small head barely wider than the neck
• Round pupils

Its unmistakable coloration makes it one of the easier coral snakes to identify at a glance within its range.

Inhabits lowland and hill rainforest, often in leaf litter, under logs, and in loose soil near streams. Found from the Malay Peninsula through Sumatra and Borneo, into parts of southern Thailand.

Primarily nocturnal and secretive, rarely encountered in the open. When threatened, it may display its red tail as a warning. Feeds mainly on other snakes, including small venomous species. Reproduction is oviparous, though details of clutch size remain relatively poorly documented due to its secretive habits.