Coral snake
Decorated Coralsnake
VenomousMicrurus decoratus
2 photographs of the Decorated Coralsnake. (c) Shiva Pires, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA).
The Decorated Coralsnake (Micrurus decoratus) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 2 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 Decorated Coralsnake
Micrurus decoratus, also commonly referred to as the Brazilian coral snake, the decorated coral snake, and cobra coral decorada in Brazilian Portuguese, is a species of venomous snake, a member of the family Elapidae. The coral snake genus Micrurus contains about 100 species. Micrurus decoratus is restricted to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil.
Description
Micrurus decoratus has an alternating color pattern containing red, white and black. It has a triad color pattern with an external ring pattern that can vary among individuals. It is characterized by having black and white rings organized into 13–19 body triads. The black rings are narrower than the red; and the first triad, at the neck, is incomplete. The black central ring of each triad is typically the widest. The vivid color pattern is used to get the attention of predators, serving as a warning signal to indicate its venomous nature.
The average total length (tail-included) of this species is around 67 cm (26 in). Like all elapids, it has proteroglyphous ("front-fanged") dentition and a round pupil.
Biology
Behavior
Micrurus decoratus is terrestrial and fossorial, foraging underground and in leaf litter.
Defensive behavior
Micrurus decoratus and other Micrurus species possess similar defensive behaviors. The color pattern is used as the first warning signal that it is dangerous. If the predator continues, the snake displays defensive moves such as tail exhibition and dorso-ventral body flattening. Tail behaviors could include moving it back and forth to try and deter the predator. Dorso-ventral body flattening is a behavior in which the snake will flatten its body from top to bottom to make itself as flat and wide as possible. This gives the appearance that it is larger than it actually is, again as a defensive mechanism to intimidate a predator.
Diet
Typically coral snakes of the genus Micrurus feed on elongated vertebrates such as caecilians, amphisbaenians, legless lizards, and snakes. Due to the geographic distribution of Micrurus decoratus being restricted to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern and southern Brazil, it was found to typically only prey on caecilians and amphisbaenians.
Reproduction
Micrurus decoratus is oviparous.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Decorated Coralsnake
- Is the Decorated Coralsnake venomous?
- Yes. The Decorated Coralsnake (Micrurus decoratus) 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 Decorated Coralsnake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Decorated Coralsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
- Is the Decorated 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 Decorated Coralsnake live?
- The Decorated Coralsnake has verified records in 2 countries, including Brazil, Mexico. See the distribution section below for its full range.
- How do I identify the Decorated Coralsnake?
- Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.
- How big does the Decorated Coralsnake get?
- Slender, usually 1.5–3 ft.
- What does the Decorated Coralsnake eat?
- Typically coral snakes of the genus Micrurus feed on elongated vertebrates such as caecilians, amphisbaenians, legless lizards, and snakes. Due to the geographic distribution of Micrurus decoratus being restricted to the Atlantic Forest of southeastern and southern Brazil, it was found to typically only prey on caecilians and amphisbaenians.
If you are bitten by the Decorated Coralsnake
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
More Elapidae snakes
Texas CoralsnakeMicrurus tener
Eastern CoralsnakeMicrurus fulvius
Central American CoralsnakeMicrurus nigrocinctus
Variable CoralsnakeMicrurus diastema
Painted CoralsnakeMicrurus corallinus
Redtail CoralsnakeMicrurus mipartitus
Costa Rican CoralsnakeMicrurus mosquitensis
Aquatic CoralsnakeMicrurus surinamensis
Classification
How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.
Keep learning
- Are Snakes Dangerous? The Real Risk, in PerspectiveMost snakes are harmless and avoid people. Here is the honest picture of snakebite risk worldwide and how to lower your own.
- Snakebite First Aid: What to Do (and What Never to Do)A clear, CDC-based guide to snakebite first aid: the steps that help, the popular myths that hurt, and how to tell a serious bite from a minor one.
- Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
- What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.