About Micrurus lemniscatus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Species Classification
Micrurus lemniscatus (Linnaeus, 1758) is a thin, brightly colored coral snake species.
Size
Adult individuals measure 60 to 90 cm (24 to 35 inches) in length, with the maximum previously recorded length being 145 cm (57 inches).
Head Markings
Its snout is black, followed by a narrow white crossband positioned in front of the eyes, and then a wider black band that covers the eyes themselves.
Head Features
The species has small eyes, and the remainder of the head is red.
Body Pattern
The body has a pattern of moderately broad red rings, which are separated by 7 to 17 triads made up of three black and white rings each.
Tail Pattern
The tail bears two black triads that alternate with white rings.
Geographic Range
This species can be found in Argentina, northern Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, eastern Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, eastern Peru, Suriname, Trinidad, and Venezuela.
Habitat Types
It is a widespread South American species that inhabits humid forests, lowland forests, open savannas, and gallery forests.
Habitat Occurrence
It also occurs in lowland floodplains, deforested areas, near human settlements, and in humid areas or areas close to water sources.
Altitudinal Range
It ranges from near sea level up to an altitude of 1,000 m (3,300 ft).
Reproduction
M. lemniscatus reproduces as an oviparous species, with a possible clutch size of 20 eggs.
