Ornate Coral Snake
Micrurus ornatissimus
A brightly ringed coral snake of the western Amazon, named for its elaborately patterned body.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.1 m (2.3-3.6 ft)
- Range
- Western Amazon Basin (Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil)
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Overview
The ornate coral snake inhabits humid rainforest of the western Amazon Basin. As its name suggests, it displays a particularly vivid and well-defined tricolor ring pattern, making it one of the more striking members of the genus.
Despite its bright appearance, it remains a secretive, fossorial species that is infrequently encountered by people.
How to identify it
- Bold triads of black rings separated by bright red, bordered by narrow white or yellow rings
- Black head with a pale band crossing behind the eyes
- Smooth, glossy scales and slender cylindrical body
- Small head indistinct from the neck; round pupils
- Vivid, well-defined ring contrast helps distinguish it from duller congeners
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical rainforest of the western Amazon Basin across Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and western Brazil, generally below 800 m elevation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and fossorial, sheltering in leaf litter and soil by day. Preys on other snakes and lizards. Reproduces by laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called 'ornate'?
Because of its especially vivid and well-defined tricolor ring pattern.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it carries neurotoxic venom typical of coral snakes.
Where does it live?
In the western Amazon Basin of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil.
Is it often seen?
No, it is secretive and fossorial, rarely encountered.
Ornate Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Ornate Coral Snake.
