Dumeril's Coral Snake
Micrurus dumerilii
A tricolor coral snake of humid forests in northern South America, named for French naturalist Auguste Dumeril.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.9 m (1.6-3 ft)
- Range
- Northern South America (Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador)
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Overview
Dumeril's coral snake occurs across parts of northern South America, favoring humid tropical forest habitats. It shows the tricolor ringed pattern typical of American coral snakes, with several recognized subspecies varying somewhat in ring arrangement.
It is a secretive, ground-dwelling species that avoids open areas and human contact, spending most of its time hidden in soil and leaf litter.
How to identify it
- Triads of black rings separated by red, bordered by narrow white or yellow rings
- Black head with a pale band crossing behind the eyes
- Smooth scales, cylindrical slender body
- Small head indistinct from neck; round pupils
- Subspecies vary somewhat in ring width and count
Habitat & range
Found in humid lowland and premontane forest of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador, generally below 1,200 m elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and mostly nocturnal, sheltering under litter and logs by day. Preys on other snakes and lizards. Egg-laying reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
Who was this species named after?
French herpetologist Auguste Dumeril.
Is it dangerous?
It is venomous but rarely encountered due to secretive habits.
Where is it found?
In humid forests of Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador.
What does it eat?
Mainly other snakes and lizards.
Dumeril's Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Dumeril's Coral Snake.
