Micrurus stuarti

Micrurus stuarti
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Micrurus
Species: M. stuarti
Binomial name
Micrurus stuarti
Roze, 1967

Micrurus stuarti, commonly known as Stuart's coral snake, is a species of venomous elapid snake found in Guatemala.[1] There are no recognized subspecies.[2]

Contents

Common names

Stuart's coral snake. In Spanish: coral de los volcanes, coral de Stuart.[1]

Description

This species can grow up to 74 cm (29 in), but most are closer to 50-60 cm. It has smooth dorsal scales of red bands usually with black spots. Its color pattern consists of 13-19 relatively broad black bands and very broad red bands, separated by narrow yellow bands. The numbers of black bands on the tail may vary from 3 to 4 wide black bands, separated by narrow red-brown bands.[1]

Geographic range

Micrurus stuarti has only been found on the pacific versant of southwestern Guatemala. Its habitat consists of subtropical wet forest and lower montane wet forest. It may also be found in similar adjacent habitats in southeastern Mexico.[1]

References