Description: It is a medium-sized venomous snake with a cylindrical body and a head only slightly distinct from the neck, a typical feature of true coral snakes. It displays a striking aposematic pattern of red, black, and white or yellowish rings, usually encircling the body completely. The eyes are small with round pupils, and the tail is short and blunt. It has proteroglyphous dentition, with fixed front fangs used to deliver a highly potent neurotoxic venom.

Geographic distribution: It is mainly distributed in southeastern Brazil, with confirmed records in coastal states and nearby inland areas, closely associated with the Atlantic Forest biome. It is more frequent in well-preserved habitats but can also occur in fragmented landscapes.

Habitat: It inhabits humid forests, gallery forests, and areas with dense ground cover, where it shelters under leaf litter, fallen logs, and loose soil. It is a fossorial-terrestrial species, relying on moist and protected microhabitats for daily activity.

Diet: Its diet consists primarily of other snakes, including smaller species, as well as amphisbaenians and occasionally elongated lizards. This ophiophagous specialization is closely linked to the neurotoxic composition of its venom, which is highly effective against elongated prey.

Behavior: It exhibits secretive and cryptic habits, being mostly active during crepuscular and nocturnal periods. It is generally non-aggressive and tends to avoid confrontation, relying on its coloration as the main defensive strategy; bites to humans are rare and usually related to handling.

Reproduction: It is oviparous, laying clutches that usually contain 5 to 15 eggs, deposited in moist and protected sites. Hatchlings are fully developed at birth and possess functional venom, already displaying the characteristic adult color pattern.

Conservation status: It is classified as Least Concern globally, although habitat loss and fragmentation may negatively affect local populations, especially in areas under strong human pressure.

Author of this compilation: EcoRegistros – 15/12/2025