Elegant Coral Snake
Micrurus elegans
A tricolor coral snake of humid montane and lowland forests in eastern Mexico.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-1.0 m (2-3.3 ft)
- Range
- Gulf lowlands of eastern Mexico
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Overview
The elegant coral snake is native to the Gulf lowlands and adjacent foothills of eastern Mexico, occurring in humid tropical and cloud forest habitats. It exhibits the tricolor ringed pattern typical of Micrurus, with a name reflecting its finely proportioned banding.
It remains a secretive, fossorial species, rarely observed despite occurring across a fairly broad range in eastern Mexico.
How to identify it
- Triads of black rings separated by red, bordered by narrow white or yellow rings
- Black head with a pale band behind the eyes
- Smooth scales and slender cylindrical body
- Small head indistinct from the neck; round pupils
- Range in eastern Mexican Gulf lowlands and foothills helps confirm identification
Habitat & range
Found in humid lowland and foothill forest, including cloud forest edges, of the Gulf slope of eastern Mexico, from near sea level up to roughly 1,500 m elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and mostly nocturnal, sheltering under forest litter by day. Preys on other snakes and lizards. Lays eggs for reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
Is the elegant coral snake dangerous?
It is venomous but shy, so encounters and bites are rare.
Where is it found?
In Gulf lowland and foothill forests of eastern Mexico.
What habitats does it prefer?
Humid tropical forest and cloud forest edges.
What does it eat?
Mainly other snakes and lizards.
Elegant Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Elegant Coral Snake.
