Micrurus nattereri
| Micrurus nattereri | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Micrurus |
| Species: | M. nattereri |
| Binomial name | |
| Micrurus nattereri Schmidt, 1952 | |
 | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Micrurus nattereri, also known commonly as Natterer's coral snake and the Venezuelan aquatic coral snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to northwestern South America.[2]
Etymology
The specific name, nattereri, is in honor of Austrian naturalist Johann Natterer, a collector of zoological specimens in South America in the nineteenth century.[2][3]
Description
Large for the genus Micrurus, adults of Micrurus nattereri usually have a total length (tail included) of 60–90 cm (24–35 in), but may exceed one meter (39 in). The color pattern is the same as that of Micrurus surinamensis. However, M. nattereri has a higher number of ventrals: 197–206 in females, 186–193 in males.[3]
Geographic distribution
Micrurus nattereri is found in northwestern Brazil, eastern Colombia, and southern Venezuela. It occurs in the drainages of the Rio Negro and the upper Orinoco River.[1][2]
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Micrurus nattereri is freshwater wetlands and forest near bodies of water, at elevations of 100–200 m (330–660 ft).[1]
Behavior
Micrurus nattereri is both terrestrial and aquatic, the most aquatic species of the New World coral snakes.[1]
Diet
Micrurus nattereri preys upon fishes, especially Synbranchus marmoratus, a species of swamp eel.[1]
Reproduction
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Nogueira, C.; Rivas, G.; Renjifo, J. (2019). "Micrurus nattereri ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019 e.T44581968A44581977. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T44581968A44581977.en. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Species Micrurus nattereri at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
- 1 2 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 surinamensis nattereri, p. 223 + Map 38).
Further reading
- Bernal, R. (2025). Serpientes de Colombia, Guía de Campo. Bogotá: Conservación Internacional Colombia. ISBN 978-628-96909-0-3. 396 pp. (Micrurus nattereri, pp. 112–113). (in Spanish).
- Freiberg, M. (1982). Snakes of South America. Hong Kong: T.F.H. Publications. ISBN 0-87666-912-7. 189 pp. (Micrurus surinamensis nattereri, p. 117).
- Hoge, A.R.; Lancini, A.R. (1959). "Nota sôbre Micrurus surinamensis nattereri Schmidt e Micrurus pyrrhocryptus Cope". Memórias do Instituto Butantan. 29: 9–13. (in Portuguese).
- Rivas, G.A.; Molina, C.R.; Ugueto, G.N.; Barros, T.R.; Barrio-Amorós, C.L.; Kok, P.J.R. (2012). "Reptiles of Venezuela: an updated and commented checklist". Zootaxa. 3211 (1–64). (in English, with an abstract in Spanish).
- Schmidt, K.P. (1952). "The Surinam Coral Snake, Micrurus surinamensis ". Fieldiana Zoology. 34 (4): 25–34. (Micrurus surinamensis nattereri, new subspecies, pp. 27–29).