Snake FinderField Guide · Worldwide

Coral snake

Amazon Coralsnake

Venomous

Micrurus spixii

Amazon Coralsnake
Micrurus spixii, © w_endo

The Amazon Coralsnake (Micrurus spixii) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 7 countries.

If you are bitten

Coral snake venom is neurotoxic and symptoms can be delayed for many hours. Treat any suspected coral snake bite as a medical emergency and go to an emergency room even if you feel fine — antivenom may be needed. Keep calm and still. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the US, or your local emergency number. (Source: CDC.)

Also called
Coral snake
Family
Elapidae
Size
Slender, usually 1.5–3 ft.
Habitat
Pine and hardwood forests with sandy, well-drained soils.
Behavior
Secretive and semi-burrowing; reluctant to bite but venom is neurotoxic.
Identify
Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.
Danger
high (delayed)

About the Amazon Coralsnake

Micrurus spixii, also known commonly as the Amazon coral snake or the Amazonian coral snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to northern South America.

Etymology

The specific name, spixii, is in honor of German biologist Johann Baptist von Spix.

Description

Adults of Micrurus spixii usually have a total length (tail included) of 0.8–1.2 m (2.6–3.9 ft). The color pattern consists of triads of black rings enclosing lighter rings of white, yellow, or greenish gray. The triads are separated by red rings. The black rings are the narrowest, and the red rings are the fewest.

Geographic distribution

Micrurus spixii is found in Bolivia, northwestern Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of Micrurus spixii are forest and savanna, at elevations from sea level to 800 m (2,600 ft).

Behavior

Micrurus spixii is terrestrial, foraging in the leaf litter of the forest or savanna.

Diet

Micrurus spixii preys upon long-bodied reptiles such as snakes, amphisbaenians, and some species of lizards.

Reproduction

Micrurus spixii is oviparous.

Mimicry

Micrurus spixii is mimicked by Simophis rhinostoma.

Taxonomy

Micrurus spixii is the type species of the genus Micrurus.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Amazon Coralsnake

Is the Amazon Coralsnake venomous?
Yes. The Amazon Coralsnake (Micrurus spixii) is venomous and belongs to the Elapidae family (coral snake). Its bite is considered high (delayed) risk to people. Treat any bite as a medical emergency.
Is the Amazon Coralsnake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Amazon Coralsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Amazon Coralsnake dangerous?
Coral snake venom is neurotoxic and symptoms can be delayed for many hours. Treat any suspected coral snake bite as a medical emergency and go to an emergency room even if you feel fine — antivenom may be needed. Keep calm and still. Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 in the US, or your local emergency number. (Source: CDC.)
Where does the Amazon Coralsnake live?
The Amazon Coralsnake has verified records in 7 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Peru. See the distribution section below for its full range.
How do I identify the Amazon Coralsnake?
Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.
How big does the Amazon Coralsnake get?
Slender, usually 1.5–3 ft.
What does the Amazon Coralsnake eat?
Micrurus spixii preys upon long-bodied reptiles such as snakes, amphisbaenians, and some species of lizards.
Why is it called the Amazon Coralsnake?
The specific name, spixii, is in honor of German biologist Johann Baptist von Spix.

If you are bitten by the Amazon Coralsnake

A venomous snakebite is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately. In the US, dial 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Do

  • Get away from the snake and stay calm. Most bites worsen when people panic or try again to handle the snake.
  • Call 911 or Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away. Antivenom works best when given early.
  • Note the time of the bite and, from a safe distance, the snake's color and pattern, a phone photo is enough. Do not chase it.
  • Keep the bitten limb still and at roughly heart level. Sit or lie down and limit movement.
  • Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing near the bite before swelling starts.
  • Gently wash the bite with soap and water and cover it with a clean, dry dressing.

Do not

  • Do not cut the wound or try to suck out the venom.
  • Do not apply a tourniquet or ice.
  • Do not drink alcohol or caffeine.
  • Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen, they can worsen bleeding. Acetaminophen is safer for pain.
  • Do not try to catch or kill the snake. A dead snake can still bite by reflex.

First-aid guidance adapted from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC NIOSH), Venomous Snakes. Educational only; always follow the instructions of emergency responders.

Where it is found

BrazilColombiaPeruEcuadorBolivia (Plurinational State of)Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)Panama

More Elapidae snakes

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards
Squamata
FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits
Elapidae
GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
Micrurus
SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
Micrurus spixii

Keep learning

Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.