Central and South American Micrurus sp...

[Jeremy]

What is the latin name of the large, somtimes 6ft, aquatic coral snake? Ive heard tale of this serpent but have never heard anything in detail and would like to know more. Any refferences?(Besides Venomous Snakes of Latin America which I cant afford right now:-)

Thanks,
J

[Nikki Gervais]

LOL if you find Venomous Snakes Of Latin America for sale I got the cash!!! :p

As for your micrurus species, the first one that comes to mind is micrurus surinamensis, simply known as the aquatic coral snake. I have no idea on it's size though. If you happen to find any more info, please do let me know as they are stunning snakes! :)

Enjoy some pics I dug up off the net. :D
http://bnoonan.uta.edu/grppgs/snake/msurinamensis.html
http://www.omnh.ou.edu/personnel/herpetology/vitt/pics/Msur.jpg
http://www.venomousreptiles.org/libraries/showfilepage/1147?offset=29
http://www.venomousreptiles.org/libraries/showfilepage/1146?offset=28

[SilverTongue]

wow awesome snake! Lemme guess it does not follow the normal coral snake color pattern...red touch yello kill a fellow...Red touch black venom lack

[Nikki Gervais]

Right on SilverTongue, several S. American micrurus sp don't follow that rule... I pity the herper who doesn't do their research prior to a visit. :rolleyes:

Hey I just noticed yer now elapidae! Cool Stuff! Congratz!

[SilverTongue]

coolness i didnt notice! LoL And I dont even know what it means LoL

[Nikki Gervais]

LOL elapidae is fixed front fanged venomous snakes, such as corals and cobras. :) :D

[SilverTongue]

ty :) sounds great to me :)

[Nightflight99]

Ah, nice one, Jeremy.

As Nikki already stated, this may well be Micrurus surinamensis, the aquatic coral snake. This species is one of the largest coral snakes, attaining lengths of 80-100cm (31.5-39.4 inches) on average. The largest verified specimen on record measures 126cm (49.6in), but there is an alleged report of a 180cm (70.9in) specimen from Colombia. It may also be the heaviest species of coral snakes.

It occurs in the Orinocoan and Amazonian drainages of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, as well as the entire Amazon Basin of Brazil. It is furthermore found in the Guianas and southern Venezuela.

Micrurus surinamensis inhabits the lower montane wet forest and tropical rainforest, where it seems to spend a significant amount of time in the water.

Two subspecies are currently recognized, including Micrurus s. surinamensis and Micrurus s. nattereri, which is restricted to the upper reaches of the Rio Orinoco and Rio Negro systems in southern Venezuela, northwestern Brazil, and eastern Colombia.

Reference: Campbell J. & Lamar, W. 1989. The Venomous Reptiles of Latin America. Cornell University Press. :D

Regards,

---Nightflight99

[Jeremy]

Wow, good info Nikki and NF99 aka Cajun Nazi type dude:-) (Inside joke, please forgive me:-) I had no idea so much knowledge on this sp was sitting right under my nose on the net. Guess I should try a search first, A?

Welp, thanks for fullfiling my curiosity. I wish more people would work with these beautiful Elapids here state side but I belive their secretive and shy nature wouldnt make them the best captives. Oh well, thats why ive got my Coral Cobras!:-) Hardy, healthy and just as beautiful!

Peace,
J