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
Urotheca decipiens
False Coral Earth Snake
(Günther, 1893)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, slender snake with a coloration that mimics venomous coral snakes, featuring patterns of black, red, and yellow bands.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
False Coral Earth SnakeFalsilla
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.Urotheca
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Günther, 1893)
Record Completeness
94%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 humid mountain forests and cloud forests, typically found among leaf litter and soil cover.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Secretive, terrestrial, and mostly diurnal; specialized in moving through dense ground vegetation.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Generalist insectivore/small vertebrate predator.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Feeds mainly on small lizards and amphibians.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; lays small clutches in moist soil or decaying matter.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
25.0 - 45.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
15 g - 40 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 - 6
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.
12 - 18 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.
Males5 - 8 Years
Females5 - 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 narrower heads.
Females Multi-lang
Females are typically larger and stouter for egg production.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Batesian mimicry of coral snakes to deter potential predators.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat destruction due to agricultural encroachment and deforestation in highland areas.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Despite its appearance, it is non-venomous and harmless to humans.