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Coral snake

Pygmy Coralsnake

Venomous

Micrurus dissoleucus

Pygmy Coralsnake
Micrurus dissoleucus, Iván S. Arenas V. / Wikimedia Commons

The Pygmy Coralsnake (Micrurus dissoleucus) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 5 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 Pygmy Coralsnake

Micrurus dissoleucus, also known commonly as the pygmy coral snake and la candelilla in Spanish, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to extreme southern Central America and extreme northern South America. There are four recognized subspecies.

Description

Very small for the genus Micrurus, adults of Micrurus dissoleucus usually have a total length (tail included) of 28–45 cm (11–18 in).

Geographic distribution

Micrurus dissoleucus is found in northern Colombia, Panama, and northern Venezuela.

Habitat

Micrurus dissoleucus is found in a variety of habitats, including forest, savanna, shrubland, deforested areas, and towns, at elevations from sea level to 1,000 m (3,300 ft).

Behavior

Micrurus dissoleucus is terrestrial.

Reproduction

Micrurus dissoleucus is oviparous.

Subspecies

Four subspecies are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies.

Micrurus dissoleucus dissoleucus (Cope, 1860)

Micrurus dissoleucus dunni Barbour, 1923

Micrurus dissoleucus melanogenys (Cope, 1860)

Micrurus dissoleucus nigrirostris Schmidt, 1955

Nota bene: A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than Micrurus.

Etymology

The subspecific name, dunni, is in honor of American herpetologist Emmett Reid Dunn.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Pygmy Coralsnake

Is the Pygmy Coralsnake venomous?
Yes. The Pygmy Coralsnake (Micrurus dissoleucus) 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 Pygmy Coralsnake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Pygmy Coralsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Pygmy 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 Pygmy Coralsnake live?
The Pygmy Coralsnake has verified records in 5 countries, including Colombia, Panama, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of). See the distribution section below for its full range.
How do I identify the Pygmy Coralsnake?
Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.
How big does the Pygmy Coralsnake get?
Slender, usually 1.5–3 ft.
Why is it called the Pygmy Coralsnake?
The subspecific name, dunni, is in honor of American herpetologist Emmett Reid Dunn.

If you are bitten by the Pygmy 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

ColombiaPanamaVenezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)BrazilTrinidad and Tobago

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 dissoleucus

Keep learning

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