Brazilian Coral Snake

The Brazilian coral snake is a widely recognized elapid found across the southern half of South America. Like all true coral snakes, it carries medically significant neurotoxic venom, though it is not aggressive and bites are infrequent given its reclusive habits.

It is one of the better-studied Micrurus species due to its relatively broad range spanning several countries and habitat types.

• Smooth, glossy scales with a cylindrical body form
• Repeating triads of black, yellow, and red rings along the length of the body
• Small black head with little demarcation from the neck
• Round pupils
• Short, tapering tail

Color pattern and ring count help separate it from similarly patterned harmless mimic species in the same range, though such distinctions require expert-level care.

Found in a range of habitats including cerrado savanna, subtropical forest, grassland, and forest edge across Brazil and neighboring countries. It is fossorial, spending most of its time underground, in leaf litter, or beneath surface debris.

Mostly active at twilight and at night, and rarely seen in the open during the day. Defensive behavior includes hiding the head and displaying the tail as a decoy. Diet consists chiefly of other snakes and legless or elongate reptiles. Reproduction is oviparous, with modest clutches of elongated eggs laid in moist underground sites.