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Coral Snake Facts: Identification, Habitat, and Venom
Coral Snake Safety Tips: Protection for You and Your Pets
Reading time : 1 minute,
Discovery Chepe Id-407-ECO
Published in
08-01-2024
Coral snakes are small, slender snakes, making them vulnerable to larger predators. Their venom serves as their main tool to capture and dominate prey, mainly small lizards, snakes, frogs and birds. The neurotoxin in the venom acts by paralyzing the prey, making it easier for the snake to consume it without risk of injury.
Coral snakes, curious facts that will surprise you: Coral snakes belong to the genus Micrurus and the family Elapidae. They are found in tropical and subtropical regions of America, Asia and Africa. Known for their brightly colored rings, usually red, yellow and black, there are around 80 species of coral snakes.
They are small, slender snakes, measuring between 60 and 90 cm (24 to 36 inches) long and very venomous, but their bite is not always fatal to humans as they are shy and secretive animals that prefer to live in humid, wooded areas. , are mainly nocturnal and feed mainly on small lizards, snakes, frogs and birds.
Characteristics:
a) Small head and narrow snout.
b) Round black eyes.
c) Smooth and shiny scales, arranged in overlapping rows.
d) Brightly colored rings, usually in triads, but may vary depending on the species.
e) Short tail.
Poisonous or Venomous? Coral Snake Myths Debunked
There are about 80 species of coral snakes, some of the most common include:
1- Common coral snake (Micrurus fulvius): Found in the southeastern United States and Mexico.
2- Amazon coral snake (Micrurus lemniscatus): Found in the Amazon basin in South America.
3- Middle Eastern coral snake (Micrurus laticaudatus): Found in the Middle East and Asia.
West African coral snake (Micrurus russelii): Found in West Africa
It is important to remember that not all colored-ringed snakes are coral snakes. Some harmless snakes, such as the common kingsnake, have similar coloration patterns. It is important to learn how to correctly identify coral snakes to avoid bites. In the event of a coral snake bite, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
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