Pygmy Coral Snake
Micrurus pyrrhocryptus
A small monadal-pattern coral snake of the dry Chaco and Cerrado regions of southern South America.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.7 m (1.3-2.3 ft)
- Range
- Southern South America (Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Brazil)
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Overview
The pygmy coral snake is a relatively small, slender elapid found in the drier open habitats of southern South America, including the Gran Chaco. Unlike many tricolor coral snakes, some populations show a monadal pattern of black rings on a red background without intervening white rings.
It is a fossorial species that spends most of its life underground or beneath surface litter, surfacing mainly during rain events.
How to identify it
- Red or reddish-orange body crossed by evenly spaced black rings, often lacking pale intervening rings (monadal pattern)
- Black head, sometimes with a pale nuchal band
- Smooth scales and slender cylindrical body
- Small head not distinct from neck; round pupils
- Smaller overall size than many other Micrurus species aids identification
Habitat & range
Found in dry forest, savanna, and Chaco scrubland of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and southwestern Brazil, generally in lowland areas with sandy or loose soils.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and secretive, active mainly at night or after rain. Preys on other snakes and legless or elongate reptiles. Reproduces by laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'monadal' pattern mean?
It refers to black rings on a red background without the white rings seen in triad-patterned coral snakes.
Is it venomous?
Yes, though its shy, burrowing lifestyle limits encounters with people.
Where is it found?
In dry Chaco and Cerrado habitats of southern South America.
How big does it get?
It is one of the smaller coral snake species, typically under 0.7 m.
Pygmy Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Pygmy Coral Snake.
