Is the Uruguayan Coralsnake venomous?

Yes. The Uruguayan Coralsnake (Micrurus altirostris) 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 Uruguayan Coralsnake poisonous?

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

Where does the Uruguayan Coralsnake live?

The Uruguayan Coralsnake has verified records in 4 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay. See the distribution section below for its full range.

How do I identify the Uruguayan Coralsnake?

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

Coral snake

Uruguayan Coralsnake

Venomous

Micrurus altirostris

Uruguayan Coralsnake — Micrurus altirostris, © Diego Barboza

6 photographs of the Uruguayan Coralsnake. © Diego Barboza.

The Uruguayan Coralsnake (Micrurus altirostris) is a venomous snake in the Elapidae family, recorded in 4 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 Uruguayan Coralsnake

Micrurus altirostris, also known commonly as the Uruguayan coral snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to southeastern South America.

Geographic distribution

Micrurus altirostris is found in northeastern Argentina, extreme southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Micrurus altirostris is forest, but it is also found less abundantly in savanna and grassland. Its altitudinal range is from near sea level to around 400 m (1,300 ft).

Behavior

Micrurus altirostris is terrestrial, foraging in plant litter.

Diet

Micrurus altirostris preys upon amphisbaenians and snakes.

Reproduction

Micrurus altirostris is oviparous.

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Uruguayan Coralsnake

Is the Uruguayan Coralsnake venomous?: Yes. The Uruguayan Coralsnake (Micrurus altirostris) 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 Uruguayan Coralsnake poisonous?: Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Uruguayan Coralsnake is venomous, delivering venom through a bite.
Is the Uruguayan 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 Uruguayan Coralsnake live?: The Uruguayan Coralsnake has verified records in 4 countries, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay. See the distribution section below for its full range.
How do I identify the Uruguayan Coralsnake?: Rings of red, yellow, and black where red touches yellow; small rounded head and round pupils.
How big does the Uruguayan Coralsnake get?: Slender, usually 1.5–3 ft.
What does the Uruguayan Coralsnake eat?: Micrurus altirostris preys upon amphisbaenians and snakes.

If you are bitten by the Uruguayan 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

Brazil Argentina Uruguay Paraguay

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 altirostris

Keep learning

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