Variable coral snake
A species of Coral snakes, Also known as Variable Coralsnake Scientific name : Micrurus diastema Genus : Coral snakes
Variable coral snake, A species of Coral snakes
Also known as:
Variable Coralsnake
Scientific name: Micrurus diastema
Genus: Coral snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By fauna_maya , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Micrurus diastema, commonly known as the variable coral snake, is a species of venomous elapid snake, native to southeastern Mexico and northern Central America. There are seven recognized subspecies.
General Info
Lifespan
7-12 years
Diet
Variable coral snake primarily feeds on other small snakes, using its potent neurotoxic venom for hunting. Occasionally, it may also consume lizards, though these make up a small part of its diet.
Appearance
Variable coral snake is a small, slender-bodied snake with scaley skin. It mainly exhibits a black coloration interspersed with regular intervals of white or yellow crossbands which form a distinct alternating pattern. This species lacks any specific features such as horns, wings, or distinguished tails. There are no significant differences in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Variable coral snake is an elusive, solitary species, typically crepuscular or nocturnal. It is known for its defensive behavior of waving its brightly colored tail when threatened, a trait thought to deter predators. Variable coral snake predominantly feeds on other snakes, displaying ophiophagous behavior. It doesn't show pronounced territorial behavior but instead appears to have an extensive roaming area.
Population
Stable
Photo By fauna_maya , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Elapids Genus
Coral snakes Species
Variable coral snake