False Coral Snake
Oxyrhopus petolarius
A slender Neotropical snake whose bold red, black, and cream banding mimics dangerous coral snakes, deterring predators despite being harmless to people.
- Venomous?
- Mildly venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Mexico through Central America into South America
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The False Coral Snake is a widespread Neotropical colubrid famous for its Batesian mimicry of venomous coral snakes. It is a rear-fanged species with mild venom used to subdue small prey, posing no significant threat to humans.
It ranges from lowland forest edges to disturbed habitats across much of tropical Central and South America, often encountered on the ground at night.
How to identify it
- Alternating bands of red/orange, black, and pale cream or white, though pattern intensity varies by locality
- Smooth, glossy scales with a rounded head barely distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
- Bands typically incomplete or irregular on the belly, unlike true coral snakes
- Separated from true coral snakes (Micrurus) by lacking the strict triad banding rule and by a more slender build
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical forest, forest edge, secondary growth, and agricultural land from sea level up to moderate elevations. Often hides under leaf litter, logs, or debris during the day.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and terrestrial. Feeds on lizards, small snakes, and occasionally small mammals, subduing prey with mild venom delivered via rear fangs. Egg-laying, with clutches produced during the wet season. Generally calm but may thrash and mimic coral snake defensive displays when threatened.
Frequently asked questions
Is the False Coral Snake dangerous?
It is only mildly venomous and considered harmless to humans, though its bite could cause minor local irritation.
How can you tell it apart from a true coral snake?
True coral snakes have a strict repeating triad banding pattern, while false coral snakes show irregular or incomplete banding, especially on the belly.
What does it eat?
Primarily lizards and small snakes, occasionally small mammals.
Where does it live?
Lowland tropical forests and edges from Mexico through much of South America.
False Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding False Coral Snake.
