How to Identify the Argentine Coral Snake (Identification Guide)
The Argentine Coral Snake is a slender South American elapid identified by its red, black, and white banded body and small, rounded head.
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Key identifying features
The Argentine Coral Snake (Micrurus pyrrhocryptus) is a slender elapid found across parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil, identified by complete tricolor rings running the length of its body. It is one of the more widespread coral snakes in the southern part of South America, and its banding pattern combined with a small head shape are the primary identification features.
Coloration & pattern
The body pattern features broad red bands alternating with black bands, each black band bordered by narrow white or pale rings, forming the typical triad grouping seen in true coral snakes. The red bands are usually vivid, while the black bands remain sharply defined, and the narrow pale rings create noticeable contrast. Some individuals show black bands with light stippling of red or white scattered within, adding subtle variation to the pattern.
Head, eyes & scales
The head is small, rounded, and not clearly wider than the neck, typical of coral snakes generally. The snout is usually black, and this coloration extends back over the top of the head before the first pale ring appears. Eyes are small and dark, blending into the surrounding black head pattern. Scales are smooth and glossy, giving the body a sleek, polished surface.
Size & body shape
This species is moderately slender, with a fairly consistent body diameter tapering to a short tail. Adults commonly range from about 50 to 90 centimeters, with some individuals reported larger. The body shape is elongated and cylindrical, consistent with a ground-dwelling, semi-fossorial lifestyle.
Range & habitat where you'll see it
The Argentine Coral Snake has a broad range across the Gran Chaco and surrounding regions, including parts of Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil. It inhabits a variety of dry to semi-humid habitats, including scrubland, grassland, and forest edges, often hiding beneath leaf litter, rocks, or fallen debris. It is secretive and more frequently encountered after rainfall or when ground cover is disturbed.
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
Several harmless mimic snakes across its range copy the red-black-white banding scheme, so examining whether red bands touch white rings directly is an important diagnostic step, since true coral snakes typically show this direct contact. The small, rounded head without a distinct triangular shape, along with small, inconspicuous eyes, further helps separate it from mimics. Checking for complete, unbroken rings extending onto the belly offers additional confirmation, as many false coral snakes show interrupted ventral patterning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main identifying feature of the Argentine Coral Snake?
Complete red, black, and white rings encircling the entire body, including the belly.
How large does this species grow?
Adults typically reach between 50 and 90 centimeters in length.
Where is it distributed?
It ranges across the Gran Chaco region, including Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Brazil.
How can it be told apart from mimic species?
Direct contact between red and white bands and complete ventral ring patterning distinguish it from many harmless mimics.
What does its head look like?
The head is small, rounded, and not much wider than the neck, with a black snout.