Aesculapian False Coral Snake
Oxyrhopus rhombifer
A South American colubrid with bold red, black, and white banding resembling that of true coral snakes.
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- South America, including Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina
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Overview
The Aesculapian False Coral Snake is a colubrid native to South America, notable for its banding that resembles that of coral snakes. It inhabits a range of forest and open habitats across the continent.
It is primarily a predator of small vertebrates.
How to identify it
- Bands or rhomboid blotches of red, black, and white/cream
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Head slightly distinct from neck
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from true coral snakes by irregular blotch shape rather than uniform rings
Habitat & range
Occupies a range of habitats including tropical forest, savanna, and disturbed areas across Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, foraging for lizards, small mammals, and other snakes. Reproduces by laying eggs.
Frequently asked questions
How does it differ from true coral snakes?
It has irregular rhomboid blotches rather than uniform rings.
What does it eat?
Small lizards, mammals, and other snakes.
Aesculapian False Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Aesculapian False Coral Snake.
