A spectacular Southeast Asian elapid with deep blue flanks, a red head and tail, and venom glands stretching a quarter of its body length.
Description
The blue coral snake is among the most striking serpents on Earth, with electric-blue flanks bordered by a near-black back and a vivid orange-red head, belly, and tail. Adults reach about 1.8 m but are very slender, with smooth glossy scales and a small head.
Behavior
A specialist snake-eater of the rainforest floor, the blue coral snake delivers an unusually fast-acting venom that causes near-instant spastic paralysis in prey. Its venom glands run a quarter of the body length, the longest of any elapid, and its bite is medically significant.
Range
Native to lowland rainforests of peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand, Singapore, Borneo, and Sumatra. Habitat loss has fragmented its range, and the species is rarely seen even where it persists.
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Blue Coral Snake starts with B and ends with E. Browse other snakes along the same letter.
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