Is the Ecuador Coralsnake venomous?

Yes. The Ecuador Coralsnake (Micrurus bocourti) 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 Ecuador Coralsnake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ecuador Coralsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.

Where does the Ecuador Coralsnake live?

The Ecuador Coralsnake has verified records in 3 countries, including Ecuador, Peru, Colombia. See the distribution section below for its full range.

How do I identify the Ecuador Coralsnake?

Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.

Coral snake

Ecuador Coralsnake

Venomous

Micrurus bocourti

The Ecuador Coralsnake (Micrurus bocourti) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 3 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 Ecuador Coralsnake

Micrurus bocourti, also known commonly as the Ecuador coral snake, the Ecuadorian coral snake, the false triad coral snake, and coral de tríadas falsas in South American Spanish, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to northwestern South America.

Etymology

The specific name, bocourti, is in honor of French zoologist Marie Firmin Bocourt.

Geographic distribution

Micrurus bocourti is found in Ecuador and Peru.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Micrurus bocourti is forest, at elevations from sea level to 1,456 m (4,777 ft).

Behavior

Micrurus bocourti is terrestrial.

Reproduction

Micrurus bocourti is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Ecuador Coralsnake

Is the Ecuador Coralsnake venomous?: Yes. The Ecuador Coralsnake (Micrurus bocourti) 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 Ecuador Coralsnake poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Ecuador Coralsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Ecuador 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 Ecuador Coralsnake live?: The Ecuador Coralsnake has verified records in 3 countries, including Ecuador, Peru, Colombia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
How do I identify the Ecuador Coralsnake?: Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.
How big does the Ecuador Coralsnake get?: Slender, usually 1.5–3 ft.
Why is it called the Ecuador Coralsnake?: The specific name, bocourti, is in honor of French zoologist Marie Firmin Bocourt.

If you are bitten by the Ecuador 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.

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

Ecuador Peru 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 bocourti

Keep learning

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