Reptile
False Coral Snake
Erythrolamprus aesculapii
The False Coral Snake is a rare colubrid found in Trinidad, known from only a single recorded specimen in the Boos (2001) catalogue. Its bold banding closely mimics the Common Coral Snake, making it a striking example of Batesian mimicry. It is non-venomous to humans despite its alarming appearance.
Description
Erythrolamprus aesculapii is a slender, medium-length snake with vivid red, black, and white or yellow banding that closely parallels the pattern of the genuinely venomous Micrurus coral snakes. The mimicry is sufficiently accurate that even experienced observers require close examination of scale counts and banding arrangement to distinguish the two. This is an example of Batesian mimicry: the harmless mimic gains protection by resembling the dangerous model.
Ecology
This species is primarily fossorial and nocturnal, feeding on small snakes and lizards in the forest leaf litter. Its presence in Trinidad is based on a very limited specimen record and reliable sighting data for the island is scarce. It is fully protected under the Conservation of Wildlife Act.
Threats
- Persecution: killed by people who cannot distinguish it from venomous coral snakes
- Habitat loss