Santander Coral Snake
Micrurus santanderensis
A regional tricolor coral snake named for the Santander Department of Colombia where it was first described.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Santander Department, Colombia
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Overview
The Santander Coral Snake is a Colombian endemic within the diverse Micrurus radiation of the northern Andes. It is known from a limited number of specimens collected in its namesake region.
As with most coral snakes, its secretive lifestyle means encounters with humans are uncommon.
How to identify it
- Red, black, and yellow ring pattern typical of coral snakes
- Black head cap
- Smooth glossy scales
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from similar species by ring number and geographic locality
Habitat & range
Found in montane and premontane forest habitats within Santander Department, Colombia, often in leaf litter on forest floors.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial habits with activity concentrated at dusk and night. Feeds on smaller reptiles, especially other snakes. Egg-laying reproduction typical of the genus.
Frequently asked questions
Is it dangerous to people?
It is venomous, but its burrowing lifestyle limits contact with humans.
Where is it endemic to?
The Santander Department of Colombia.
How can it be told apart from other coral snakes?
Primarily by locality and precise ring pattern counts.
Santander Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Santander Coral Snake.
