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Coral snake

Trinidad Northern Coralsnake

Venomous

Micrurus circinalis

Trinidad Northern Coralsnake
Micrurus circinalis, (c) Casas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Trinidad Northern CoralsnakeTrinidad Northern Coralsnake

3 photographs of the Trinidad Northern Coralsnake. (c) Casas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC).

The Trinidad Northern Coralsnake (Micrurus circinalis) 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 Trinidad Northern Coralsnake

Micrurus circinalis, also known commonly as the Trinidad coral snake, the Trinidad northern coral snake, and coral norteña trinitaria in South American Spanish, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to northern South America and the extreme southern Caribbean.

Description

Small for the genus Micrurus, adults of Micrurus circinalis usually have a total length (tail included) of 40–50 cm (16–20 in), with a maximum recorded total length of 53.7 cm (21.1 in) (Roze 1996).

Geographic distribution

Micrurus circinalis is found in Trinidad and northeastern Venezuela.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitats of Micrurus circinalis are forest and savanna, but it has also been found in artificial habitats such as agricultural areas and urban gardens.

Behavior

Micrurus circinalis is terrestrial, fossorial, and predominately nocturnal, but may emerge to forage on cloudy days.

Diet

Micrurus circinalis preys upon small lizards, such as species of the genus Bachia, and upon small snakes, such as those of the genera Atractus and Ninia.

Reproduction

Micrurus circinalis is oviparous. Mating occurs in January–May, and egg-laying in July–September. Clutch size is 2–6 eggs.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Trinidad Northern Coralsnake

Is the Trinidad Northern Coralsnake venomous?
Yes. The Trinidad Northern Coralsnake (Micrurus circinalis) 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 Trinidad Northern Coralsnake poisonous?
Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Trinidad Northern Coralsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Trinidad Northern 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 Trinidad Northern Coralsnake live?
The Trinidad Northern Coralsnake has verified records in 3 countries, including Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Martinique. See the distribution section below for its full range.
How do I identify the Trinidad Northern Coralsnake?
Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.
How big does the Trinidad Northern Coralsnake get?
Slender, usually 1.5–3 ft.
What does the Trinidad Northern Coralsnake eat?
Micrurus circinalis preys upon small lizards, such as species of the genus Bachia, and upon small snakes, such as those of the genera Atractus and Ninia.

If you are bitten by the Trinidad Northern 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

Trinidad and TobagoVenezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)Martinique

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 circinalis

Keep learning

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