Clark's Coral Snake
Micrurus clarki
A tricolor coral snake of Pacific lowland rainforests in Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Pacific lowlands of Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama
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Overview
Clark's coral snake inhabits the humid Pacific lowland forests of southern Central America and northwestern South America. It follows the tricolor ringed pattern typical of the genus, with subtle differences in ring proportions distinguishing it from related species.
As with most coral snakes, it is secretive and rarely seen, spending the majority of its time hidden in leaf litter and soil.
How to identify it
- Triads of black rings separated by red, bordered narrowly by white or yellow
- Black snout with a pale band behind the eyes
- Smooth, glossy scales and a slender cylindrical body
- Small head not distinct from the neck; round pupils
- Distinguished from similar species by ring counts, best confirmed regionally
Habitat & range
Found in humid tropical lowland rainforest along the Pacific slope from Panama through Colombia into Ecuador, typically below 500 m elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial, hiding under forest debris by day. Feeds on other snakes and lizards. Lays eggs for reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
Is Clark's coral snake venomous?
Yes, it possesses neurotoxic venom typical of coral snakes.
Where does it live?
In Pacific lowland rainforests of Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador.
Is it often seen?
No, it is secretive and rarely encountered above ground.
What does it eat?
Primarily other snakes and lizards.
Clark's Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Clark's Coral Snake.
