Painted Coral Snake
Micrurus corallinus
A vividly ringed coral snake of the South American Atlantic Forest, notable for its black snout and tricolor banding pattern.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (20-31 in)
- Range
- Southeastern South America (Atlantic Forest)
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Overview
The painted coral snake (Micrurus corallinus) is a slender elapid inhabiting the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil and adjacent Paraguay and Argentina. Like other members of the genus Micrurus, it displays the classic bright ring pattern associated with coral snakes.
It possesses potent neurotoxic venom and is considered medically significant, although it is a secretive, fossorial species that bites are relatively uncommon due to limited human contact.
How to identify it
A slender, brightly ringed forest snake.
- Broad red and black rings separated by narrower yellow or white rings encircling the body
- Black snout, often extending back over the top of the head
- Smooth scales and a cylindrical body
- Round pupils
- Adults typically 0.5-0.8 m
Habitat & range
Found in the Atlantic Forest biome of southeastern Brazil, extending into parts of Paraguay and northeastern Argentina. It inhabits leaf litter, loose soil, and forest floor debris, sheltering under logs, rocks, and vegetation.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and largely fossorial, spending much time hidden in leaf litter or burrowed in soil, emerging mainly at dusk or after rain. It preys primarily on other snakes and lizards, especially caecilians and amphisbaenians in some populations. Reproduction is oviparous.
Frequently asked questions
Is the painted coral snake venomous?
Yes, it has potent neurotoxic venom and is considered medically significant.
Where is the painted coral snake found?
It inhabits the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil and adjacent Paraguay and Argentina.
How can you identify the painted coral snake?
Its red, black, and yellow/white rings along with a black snout are key identifying features.
What does the painted coral snake eat?
It preys mainly on other snakes and elongate reptiles found in leaf litter.
Painted Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Painted Coral Snake.
