Stuart's Coral Snake

Stuart's coral snake is native to the highlands of Guatemala and adjacent Chiapas, Mexico, honoring Laurence Stuart, an American herpetologist known for his extensive studies of Central American reptiles and amphibians in the mid-20th century.

It occupies a relatively narrow highland range, distinguishing it from many lowland Central American coral snakes, and remains poorly studied due to its remote habitat and secretive habits.

• Red, black, and white/yellow tricolor rings forming triads
• Smooth, glossy scales
• Small black-capped head, indistinct from neck
• Round pupils
• Small to moderate body size, generally under 0.8 m
• Distinguished from lowland Central American coral snakes by its highland range and subtle scale differences

Found in montane forest and highland habitats of Guatemala and adjacent Chiapas, Mexico, at higher elevations than many related coral snake species. Shelters under logs, rocks, and in leaf litter in cool, humid highland forest.

Fossorial and secretive, likely most active during humid conditions. Diet presumed to consist mainly of other snakes and elongate lizards, consistent with related species. Reproductive biology is poorly documented due to its remote highland habitat.