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Coral snake

Camila's Coralsnake

Venomous

Micrurus camilae

Camila's Coralsnake
Micrurus camilae, (c) Hugo Bernal Hernández, some rights reserved (CC BY)

The Camila's Coralsnake (Micrurus camilae) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 1 country.

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 Camila's Coralsnake

Micrurus camilae otherwise known as Camillas Coralsnake is a species of coral snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Colombia. Not much is known about this species, all data originates from 5 collected specimens and several observations.

Etymology

The specific name, camilae, is in honor of María Camila Renjifo, a doctor with a Ph.D in Tropical Medicines from Colombia

Description

The color pattern of Micrurus camilae is unique for its genus. For the full length of the body, it consists of bicolor markings alternating with rings which are yellow ventrally and laterally, but red dorsally, giving the impression of a broad red vertebral stripe, interrupted by the black rings. This characteristic distinguishes it from all other snakes in the genus Mircurus However, on the tail, the colored rings are completely red.

Geographic distribution

Micrurus camilae is endemic to the lowland inter-Andean regions of northern Colombia, in the departments of Antioquia, Córdoba, Santander, and Sucre.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Micrurus camilae is low land forest, at elevations around 900 m (3,000 ft). The natural habitat of M. camilae overlaps with human villages making the risk of snake bites a problem because the snake is venomous.

Behavior

Micrurus camilae is terrestrial.

Reproduction

Micrurus camilae is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Camila's Coralsnake

Is the Camila's Coralsnake venomous?
Yes. The Camila's Coralsnake (Micrurus camilae) 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 Camila's Coralsnake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Camila's Coralsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Camila's 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 Camila's Coralsnake live?
The Camila's Coralsnake has verified records in 1 country, including Colombia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
How do I identify the Camila's Coralsnake?
Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.
How big does the Camila's Coralsnake get?
Slender, usually 1.5–3 ft.
Why is it called the Camila's Coralsnake?
The specific name, camilae, is in honor of María Camila Renjifo, a doctor with a Ph.D in Tropical Medicines from Colombia

If you are bitten by the Camila's 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

Colombia

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 camilae

Keep learning

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