Costa Rica Species
Micrurus nigrocinctus
AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting

Micrurus nigrocinctus

Central American Coralsnake

(Girard, 1854)

Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small and slender venomous snake with complete red, yellow, and black rings.

Added by

Gerardo Venegas

Reviewed by

Under Review

Last modified by

Gerardo Venegas

Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.

Coral machoBabaspulCentral American coralsnake

TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.

PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Elapidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Micrurus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Girard, 1854)
Record Completeness
95%
Coming soon

Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.

OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.

Native

Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.

Stable

Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.

Dry Season

Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.

Carnivore

Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.

Yes

Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang

Inhabits humid and dry forests, often hidden under leaf litter or logs.

BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang

Nocturnal, terrestrial, and fossorial; it is a shy species that rarely bites unless handled.

Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang

Solitary. Uses erratic movements and hides its head under its body to confuse predators.

Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang

Carnivore. Feeds mainly on other small snakes and lizards.

Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang

Controller of other small snake populations on the forest floor.

Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang

Oviparous. Lays small clutches of eggs in moist, protected places.

Physical Measures

Length (cm)

60.0 - 110.0 cm

Weight (Grams)

50 g - 150 g

Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.5 - 15
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No

Lifespan

Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.

2 - 3 Years

Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).

--

Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males7 - 10 Years
Females7 - 10 Years

Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang

Possesses a potent neurotoxic venom that affects the nervous system.
Aposematic coloration that indicates its high danger to predators.

Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang

Habitat loss and accidental death due to confusion with non-venomous snakes.

Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang

The color pattern warns predators of its toxicity (aposematism).
In Costa Rica, the common saying to identify it is: 'Red on yellow, kills the fellow!'

External ReferencesScientific publications, field guides, and databases that document this species or area.