Plate 040 · over a mossy log IdentificationFive marks on the plate
- 1Black snout and a rounded head barely wider than the neck.
- 2Pale band across the head behind the eyes.
- 3Black triads three black rings split by two white ones; the middle one is widest.
- 4Long red rings with black-tipped scales.
- 5Typical prey a worm lizard (amphisbaenian).
Easily confused with False coral snakeOxyrhopus rhombiferRed diamond blotches that do not ring the body, and a plain pale belly. 040 / 100 · REPTILES · ELAPIDAELEAST CONCERN Argentine Coral Snake
Micrurus pyrrhocryptus
Coral · Coral snake
The only coral snake in Tucumán’s Yungas. It spends most of its life under the leaf litter, hunting other snakes and worm lizards. Its red, white and black rings warn that it is highly venomous, though it rarely bites.
- Length
- c. 60 – 100 cm
- Altitude
- 400 – c. 1,500 m
- Breeding
- lays eggs
- Rings
- in black triads
- Highly venomous
- Neurotoxic
- Warning colours
- Snake eater
Altitude rangeLower, drier forest
Usual Lives in the foothills and lower montane forest, and in the neighbouring Chaco woodland. It is seen most after summer rain.
FoodHunts long, thin prey
- Worm lizardsAmphisbaena · staple
- Other snakessmall colubrids
- Legless lizardsOphiodes
It hunts its prey underground and in the leaf litter, and swallows it whole, head first.
BehaviourSecretive and slow to bite
J F M A M J J A S O N D Most active above groundActive - Hidden life. It comes to the surface mainly on damp days and at dusk.
- Neurotoxic venom. Small mouth and short fangs, but strong venom. Never handle one.
- Egg-layer. The female lays a few eggs in burrows or under logs.
Where to look in Tucumán- Sierra de San Javier
- Reserva Experimental Horco Molle
- Quebrada de Lules
- Parque Provincial La Florida
- Río Los Sosa