Micrurus mertensi
| Micrurus mertensi | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Micrurus |
| Species: | M. mertensi |
| Binomial name | |
| Micrurus mertensi Schmidt, 1936 | |
 | |
Micrurus mertensi, also known commonly as Mertens's coral snake, the Peruvian desert coral snake, and la coral peruana del desierto in South American Spanish, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae.[2] The species is native to northwestern South America.
Etymology
The specific name, mertensi, is in honor of German herpetologist Robert Mertens.[3]: 176
Description
Micrurus mertensi is medium to large for the genus Micrurus. Adults usually have a total length (tail included) of 50–80 cm (20–31 in), but the maximum recorded total length is 111.5 cm (43.9 in).[4]
Like most New World coral snakes, the color pattern of M. mertensi consists of a combination of red, black, and white (or yellow) rings. The red rings are widest, and some of the included dorsal scales may have small black tips. The black rings are slightly narrower and are not arranged in triads. The white rings, which separate the red from the black, are narrowest and may not extend across the venter.[4]
Geographic distribution
Habitat
Micrurus mertensi is found in a variety of habitats, including forest, shrubland, and desert, at elevations from near sea level to 2,400 m (7,900 ft), usually near a river or stream.[1]
Behavior
Micrurus mertensi is terrestrial.[1]
Diet
Micrurus mertensi preys on snakes (ophiophagy), including blind snakes such as Epictia subcrotilla, and the venomous pit viper Bothrops pictus.[4]
Reproduction
Venom
The average venom yield obtained by scientists "milking" Micrurus mertensi was 2 mg (dry weight). The lethal dose for an adult human is unknown.[4]: 102
References
- 1 2 3 Lehr, E.; Cisneros-Heredia, D.F.; Valencia, J. (2021). "Micrurus mertensi ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021 e.T50951816A50951836. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T50951816A50951836.en. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- 1 2 3 "Micrurus mertensi ". The Reptile Database. Retrieved 10 December 2021.
- ↑ Beolens, B.; Watkins, M.; Grayson, M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. xiii + 296. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5.
- 1 2 3 4 Roze, J.A. (1996). Coral Snakes of the Americas: Biology, Identification, and Venoms. Malabar, Florida: Krieger Publishing Company. ISBN 0-89464-847-0. xii + 328 pp., 38 maps, 63 color photographs, 49 color pattern drawings. (Micrurus mertensi, p. 195 + Map 25 + Pattern 36).
Further reading
- Arteaga, A.; Bustamante, L.; Vieira, J. (2024). Reptiles of Ecuador: Life in the middle of the world. Frankfurt am Main, Germany: Edition Chimaira. ISBN 978-3-89973-140-8. 1,073 pp. (Foreword by Russell A. Mittermeier).
- Parker, H.W. (1938). "The Vertical Distribution of some Reptiles and Amphibians in Southern Ecuador". Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Eleventh Series. 2: 438–450. (Micrurus mertensi, p. 446).
- Schmidt, K.P. (1936). "Preliminary Account of Coral Snakes of South America". Zoological Series of Field Museum of Natural History. 20 (19): 189–203. (Micrurus mertensi, new species, pp. 192–193).
- Torres-Carvajal, O.; Pazmiño-Otamendi, G.; Salazar-Valenzuela, D. (2019). "Reptiles of Ecuador: a resource-rich online portal, with dynamic checklists and photographic guides". Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 13 (1): 209–229 (e178).