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
Scaphiodontophis venustissimus
False Coral
(Günther, 1893)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A slender, multicolored snake that exhibits Batesian mimicry of venomous coral snakes, featuring distinct rings of red, black, and yellow/white, though often with a more complex, mottled pattern on the head.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
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).Dipsadidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Scaphiodontophis
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Günther, 1893)
Record Completeness
96%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.
Year Round
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 primary and secondary humid forests, often found in leaf litter, low bushes, or at the edges of clearings.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal and terrestrial. Often seen active on the forest floor during the day searching for prey.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary, minimal social interaction.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Specialized saurophagous (lizard-eater).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Specializes in eating small lizards and lizard eggs. Preyed upon by larger predators.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; deposits eggs in protected, humid nesting sites.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
50.0 - 90.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
15 g - 60 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 5
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
18 - 24 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
40 - 60
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 7 Years
Females4 - 8 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller with longer, more slender tails.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally larger and more robust, facilitating egg production.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Its bright warning coloration (aposematism) is a mimicry defense to deter predators, even though it is essentially non-venomous.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Threatened by habitat destruction and direct killing by humans who often mistake them for the highly venomous coral snakes.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
They possess an unusual behavior where they can detach their tails (autotomy) when threatened, a rare trait in snakes.