Fitzinger's Coral Snake
Micrurus fitzingeri
A South American coral snake named in honor of naturalist Leopold Fitzinger, marked with tricolor rings.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.6-0.9 m (2-3 ft)
- Range
- Northern South America
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Overview
Fitzinger's Coral Snake belongs to the large and diverse Micrurus genus native to the Americas. Like its relatives, it uses bold warning coloration to deter predators.
It remains poorly documented, with much of its natural history inferred from closely related species.
How to identify it
- Ringed pattern of red, black, and yellow
- Rounded black snout
- Smooth, glossy body scales
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from similar coral snakes by ring counts and regional distribution
Habitat & range
Found in tropical forest habitats of northern South America, typically hidden in leaf litter and under fallen logs.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Secretive and fossorial, active mainly at dusk and night. Diet consists of other snakes and small reptiles. Reproduces via egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Fitzinger's Coral Snake named after?
Austrian naturalist Leopold Fitzinger.
Is it venomous?
Yes, it is a venomous elapid, though rarely encountered.
Where does it live?
In tropical forest regions of northern South America.
Fitzinger's Coral Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Fitzinger's Coral Snake.
