Trinidad Coral Snake
Micrurus circinalis
An island-associated coral snake restricted to Trinidad and nearby coastal Venezuela, patterned in classic red-black-yellow triads.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.5-0.8 m (1.6-2.6 ft)
- Range
- Trinidad and adjacent northeastern Venezuela
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Overview
The Trinidad coral snake occurs on the island of Trinidad and in the adjacent coastal lowlands of northeastern Venezuela, reflecting the close biogeographic ties between the island and the South American mainland.
It is a small, secretive elapid that spends most of its time hidden underground or beneath forest debris, rarely observed even where locally common.
How to identify it
- Bright red, black, and yellow/white tricolor rings in triads
- Smooth, glossy body scales
- Small rounded head, black-capped, not distinct from neck
- Round pupils
- Small to moderate size, generally under 0.8 m
- Distinguished from mainland relatives by subtle scale and banding differences tied to its island population
Habitat & range
Found in lowland tropical forest and forest-edge habitats on Trinidad and in coastal northeastern Venezuela. Shelters under leaf litter, rotting logs, and loose soil in humid forest environments.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Fossorial and secretive, most active at dusk and after rainfall. Feeds on other snakes and elongate lizards. Reproduces by laying eggs, typically in moist, sheltered sites within the forest floor.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Trinidad coral snake found only on the island?
It occurs on Trinidad and also in adjacent coastal areas of northeastern Venezuela.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it has neurotoxic venom typical of coral snakes but is shy and rarely encountered.
What does it eat?
Mainly other snakes and slender lizards found in leaf litter and soil.
Trinidad Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Trinidad Coral Snake.
