Micrurus browni

Micrurus browni
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Elapidae
Genus:	Micrurus
Species:	M. browni
Binomial name
Micrurus browni Schmidt and H.M. Smith, 1943

Micrurus browni, commonly known as Brown's coral snake, is a species of venomous elapid snake native to southwestern Mexico and Guatemala.^[1] There are three recognized subspecies, including the nominate subspecies described here.^[2]

Common names

Brown's coral snake. In Spanish: Serpiente-coralillo de Brown,^[2] coral, coral de Acapulco, coral de Antigua, coral (or coralillo) de canutos, vibora de coral.^[1]

Description

Brown's coral snake can grow to 100 cm (39 in), but most are closer to 50 cm (20 in) to 70 cm (28 in). They have smooth scales, a rounded head, and eyes with round pupils. Its color pattern is three-colored: broad red bands, separated by 10-27 black bands, each bordered with a narrow yellow ring.^[1] The snout is black. There is usually a yellow ring, across the top of the head, halfway back.

Geographic range

Its distribution is limited to Quintana Roo in southwestern Mexico, and western Guatemala, including Sacatepequez. Previous reports for Honduras have been found to be incorrect.^[1]

Habitat

It is mainly found in tropical deciduous forest, pine-oak forest, and cloud forest at elevations ranging from sea level up to 2,000 m.^[1]

Behavior

Although little is known about its behavior, like most other coral snakes it may be nocturnal, terrestrial and probably dwells in burrows, leaf litter, or under logs.^[1] While usually not aggressive, it will bite when molested or restrained.

Diet

It feeds on small lizards, amphibians, invertebrates, and other snakes.^[1]

Reproduction

Like other members of the genus Micrurus, M. browni is oviparous and may lay a maximum of 15 eggs per clutch.^[1]

Venom

Little is known about the effects of M. browni venom. It may contain neurotoxin, which can cause neuromuscular dysfunction, as is the case with the venom of other coral snakes.^[1]

Subspecies

There are three recognized subspecies of Micrurus browni:

• Micrurus browni browni Schmidt and H.M. Smith, 1943
• Micrurus browni importunus Roze, 1967
• Micrurus browni taylori Schmidt and H.M. Smith, 1943

References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e f g h i} AFBMP. "Micrurus browni". AFBMP Living Hazards Database. AFBMP. http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/living_hazards/snakes.html#Micrurusbrowni. Retrieved 2011-02-17. 
2. ^ ^{a b} "Micrurus browni". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=585942. Retrieved 17 February 2011. 

• Schmidt, K.P. and H.M. Smith. 1943. Notes on coral snakes from México. Field Mus. Nat. Hist. Zool. Ser. 29(2):25-31.