Micrurus browni
| Micrurus browni | |
|---|---|
| File:Micrurus browni.jpeg | |
| Scientific classification Edit this classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Micrurus |
| Species: | M. browni
|
| Binomial name | |
| Micrurus browni Schmidt & H.M. Smith, 1943
| |
| File:Micrurus browni Map.jpg | |
Micrurus browni, commonly known as Brown's coral snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Guatemala and southwestern Mexico.[2] There are three recognized subspecies, including the nominate subspecies described here.[3]
Etymology
[edit | edit source]The specific name, browni, is in honor of American scientific collector Wilmot W. Brown Jr.[4][5]
Spanish common names
[edit | edit source]Common names for M. browni in Spanish include Serpiente-coralillo de Brown,[3] coral, coral de Acapulco, coral de Antigua, coral (or coralillo) de canutos, and vibora de coral.[2]
Description
[edit | edit source]Brown's coral snake can grow to 100 cm (39 in) in total length (including tail), but it is usually 50 cm (20 in) to 70 cm (28 in). It has smooth dorsal scales, a rounded head, and eyes with round pupils. Its color pattern is three-colored: broad red rings, separated by 10-27 black rings, each black ring bordered by two narrow yellow bands.[2] The snout is black. There is usually a yellow band, across the top of the head, halfway back.[6]
Geographic range
[edit | edit source]The geographic distribution of M. browni is limited to Quintana Roo in southwestern Mexico, and western Guatemala, including Sacatepéquez. Previous reports for Honduras have been found to be incorrect.[2]
Habitat
[edit | edit source]M. browni is mainly found in tropical deciduous forest, pine-oak forest, and cloud forest at elevations ranging from sea level up to 2,000 m (6,600 ft).[2]
Behavior
[edit | edit source]Although little is known about the behavior of M. browni, like most other coral snakes it may be nocturnal, terrestrial and probably dwells in burrows, leaf litter, or under logs.[2] While usually not aggressive, it will bite when molested or restrained.[citation needed]
Diet
[edit | edit source]M. browni feeds on small lizards, amphibians, invertebrates, and other snakes.[2]
Reproduction
[edit | edit source]Like other members of the genus Micrurus, M. browni is oviparous and may lay a maximum of 15 eggs per clutch.[2]
Venom
[edit | edit source]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.[2]
Subspecies
[edit | edit source]The following three subspecies of Micrurus browni are recognized as being valid.[6]
- Micrurus browni browni Schmidt & H.M. Smith, 1943
- Micrurus browni importunus Roze, 1967
- Micrurus browni taylori Schmidt & H.M. Smith, 1943
The subspecific name, taylori, is in honor of American herpetologist Edward Harrison Taylor.[7]
References
[edit | edit source]- ^ Flores-Villela O, Santos-Barrera G (2013). "Micrurus browni ". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2013: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-2.RLTS.T64020A3132585.en. Down loaded on 11 November 2021.
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- ^ a b Species Micrurus browni at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).. (Micrurus browni, p. 40; M. b. taylori, p. 261).
Further reading
[edit | edit source]
- Heimes P (2016). Snakes of Mexico: Herpetofauna Mexicana Vol. I. Frankfurt am Main, Germany: Chimaira. 572 pp. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2172: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value)..
- Roze J (1967). "A Check List of the New World Venomous Coral Snakes (Elapidae), with Descriptions of New Forms". American Museum Novitates (2287): 1–60. (Micrurus browni importunus, new subspecies, pp. 11–12 + Figure 4).
- Schmidt KP, Smith HM (1943). "Notes on coral snakes from México". Field Museum of Natural History Zoological Series 29 (2): 25-31. (Micrurus browni, new species, pp. 29–30; Micrurus nuchalis taylori, new subspecies, pp. 30–31).
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