Coral Pipe Snake

The Coral Pipe Snake, also known as the red pipe snake, is a primitive, fossorial snake found in the Amazon Basin of northern South America. It is the sole living representative of its family, Aniliidae, and is notable for its striking red-and-black banded pattern that closely resembles that of venomous coral snakes.

This resemblance is considered a form of Batesian mimicry, offering the harmless pipe snake some protection from predators. It is non-venomous and poses no threat to humans.

• Cylindrical body with a smooth, glossy surface and a blunt, rounded tail resembling the head (giving rise to the pipe snake name)
• Bold alternating bands of red or orange and black encircling the body
• Small head barely distinct from the neck, tiny eyes
• Often confused with venomous coral snakes due to similar coloration
• Adult length typically 50-90 cm (20-35 in)

Inhabits moist lowland rainforest and swampy areas of the Amazon Basin across Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, and the Guianas. Fossorial, burrowing through loose, damp soil and leaf litter near streams and flooded forest.

Secretive and fossorial, rarely seen above ground. Feeds on amphibians, small reptiles including other snakes, and occasionally caecilians. Its blunt tail is thought to mimic the head, potentially confusing predators. Reproduction is viviparous, with females giving birth to live young.