Coral snake

Title Info
Common name Snake, Coral
Scientific name Micrurus
Taxonomic group Elapidae
Source Dan L. Perlman
Selection and adaptations Coloration
Coloration Aposematic coloration
Organisms Animals
Animals Reptiles
Lessons Mimicry and Camouflage
Date 1988
Location Monteverde,Costa Rica,North America

Aposematic coloration in coral snake, Costa Rica. Coral snakes have relatively small fangs and are generally rather timid, preferring to escape rather than stay and fight. Their venom is a neurotoxin, unlike the venom of pit vipers such as the fer-de-lance, which has blood- and muscle-digesting properties. This type of bright and memorable color pattern is called aposematic coloring, and acts as a warning.