Description: The Arizona coral snake is a small snake with a characteristic pattern of black, yellow and red rings that encircle its body. This pattern distinguishes it from many look-alike nonvenomous snakes. The Arizona coral snake averages less than 2 feet.
Habitat: Habitats include grassland, farmland, desert, brushland, thornscrub, thornforest, tropical deciduous forest, and lower pine-oak woodland, from plains to lower mountain slopes. In Arizona, this species most commonly associated with rocky bajadas, slopes, and canyons of upland desert scrub and desert grassland.
Range: USA (Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico (Chihuahua, Sonora).
Venom: The venom of M. euryxanthus is neurotoxic and extremely potent, but no fatalities have been reported.
Diet: The Arizona coral snake preys upon small snakes, predominantly Rena (snake), but also Sonora, and Tantilla. It will also eat small lizards such as skinks.
Reproduction: Like all other species of New World coral snakes (genera Leptomicrurus and Micrurus), Micruroides euryxanthus is oviparous. Adult females may lay up to 3 eggs, and each hatchlings is 7–8 inches in total length.
Status: Listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a more threatened category.
Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
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