Micrurus potyguara
| Micrurus potyguara | |
|---|---|
_Figure_5_(cropped).jpg) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Micrurus |
| Species: | M. potyguara |
| Binomial name | |
| Micrurus potyguara | |
 | |
Micrurus potyguara, also known commonly as the Paraíba coral snake and the Potyguara coral snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Brazil.[2]
Etymology
[edit]The specific name, potyguara, is honor of the Potyguara, an indigenous people of northeastern Brazil.[2]
Description
[edit]The color pattern of Micrurus potyguara consists of red, white, and black rings, with the black rings arranged in triads. All three black rings of each triad are approximately equal in width. The white rings are narrower than the black. The red rings, which separate the triads, are the widest. The dorsal scales of the white rings are heavily edged and tipped with black, so that from a distance the rings appear to be gray. Some of the dorsal scales of the red rings are tipped with black.[2]
Unusual for the genus Micrurus, the head of M. potyguara is wide and distinct from the neck.[2]
Geographic distribution
[edit]Micrurus potyguara is found in northeastern Brazil, in the Brazilian states of Paraíba, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte.[1][2]
Habitat
[edit]The preferred natural habitat of Micrurus potyguara is forest.[1]
Behavior
[edit]Micrurus potyguara is terrestrial.[1]
Reproduction
[edit]References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 Martins, M.R.C.; Nogueira, C. de C.; Silveira, A.L.; Argôlo, A.J.S.; Abrahão, C.R.; Strüssmann, C.; Loebmann, D.; Leite, D.; Barbo, F.E.; França, F.G.R.; Maschio, G.; Colli, G.R.; Costa, H.; Ribeiro, L.; Luiz, L.; Borges-Martins, M.; Oliveira, M.E.; Marques, O.A.V.; Passos, P.G.H.; Bérnils, R.S.; Kawashita-Ribeiro, R.A.; Oliveira, R.; Guedes da Costa, T.B.; Vaz, W. (2021). "Micrurus potyguara". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021 e.T96107572A96107575. Retrieved 26 August 2023. (in English and Portuguese).
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Species Micrurus potyguara at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
Further reading
[edit]- Pires, M.G.; Silva Jr., N.J.; Feitosa, D.T.; Prudente, A.L.C.; Filho, G.A.P.; Zaher, H. (2014). "A new species of triadal coral snake in the genus Micrurus Wagler, 1824 (Serpentes: Elapidae) from northeastern Brazil". Zootaxa. 3811 (4): 569–584. (Micrurus potyguara, new species).