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There are five subspecies. M. f. fulvius occurs in southeast N. Carolina south through Florida and west to Louisiana. The other four range from western Louisiana southwest through southern Texas to eastern & central Mexico (Barbour & Earnst 1989).
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
M. fulvius' diet consists mostly of snakes, including its own species. It also eats lizards, birds, frogs, fish, and insects. It uses venom to kill its victims (Stebbins 1966).
Their neurotoxic venom is one of the venoms used in antiserum for snake bites. Venom is also being researched like many other venomous snakes. Research is being done for cancer, AIDS, and other disabilitating diseases. Without these animals for research we may lose many key cures.
Although it is not likely to be bitten by a wild coral snake, unless it is harassed, the venom is extremely toxic and can cause death.
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: least concern
Their family is represented around the world but only two Micruroides occur in the U.S. (Barbour & Ernst 1989). Ten percent of non-treated bites are fatal. Being a relative of the cobra, the bite fools you, small amount of pain and swelling at first, and small punctures. Powerful nerve toxin symptoms are delayed and can be fatal if not treated. Called the twenty minute snake because people believed you would die within that time. Since the venom is neurotoxic, more likely to occur in 24 hours. The coral snake is the only venomous snake in North America that lays eggs (Barket 1964, Stebbins 1966).
M. fluvius spends most of the time buried in the soil, in forest areas among decaying logs, leaves, and rocks. It seems to prefer dry, open or brushy areas, occasionally in marshy areas (Conant & Collins 1991).
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 6.8 years.
Banded with red, white, or yellow and black on which the red and yellow bands lie beside each other, and the snout is black. Size ranges from two-three feet (Barket 1964). The body scales are smooth and occur in 15 rows throughout; the anal plate is divided.
Confusing species: several subspecies of Lampropeltis triangulum and the species Cemophora coccinea also have red, yellow and black bands crossing their bodies, but their red and yellow bands are separated by black bands and their snouts are red instead of black (Barbour & Ernst 1989).
M. fulvius breeds from late spring early summer and late summer to early fall. Eggs are laid during May to July. There are approximately 37 days between copulation and ovipostion. Clutches of 5-7 eggs will be laid and the young will hatch approximately 60 days later (Barket 1964, Stebbins 1966).
Females mature at a snout-vent length of about 55cm in 21-27 months. Males mature sexually usually around 45cm or longer reached in 11-21 months.
Ovary weights increase from March through April, and decline slightly in May and then more rapidly in June. There is complete regression with spermatogonia and Sertoli cells in May through August, with a peak in June (Barbour & Ernst 1989).
Southeastern USA from southeastern north Carolina through peninsular Florida westward to eastern and west-central Texas (apparently absent from the delta region of the lower Mississippi Valley), and southward into northeastern and central Mexico, including portions of the states of Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila, Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Hidalgo, Guanajuato, and morelos.
Holotype: not located, according to roze and Tilger, 1983, Cat. Am. Amph. Rept. 316:1-4[1].
Type-locality: Carolina. Restricted to vicinity of Chareston, South Carolina, USA, by Schmidt, 1953, Check List n. Am. Amph. Rept., 6th ed., 280 pp.[223].
Five subspecies, namely M. f. fulvius (Linnaeus, 1766); M. f. fitzingeri (Jan, 1858); M. f. maculatus Roze, 1967; M. f. microgalbineus Brown and Smith, 1942; and M. f. tener (Baird and Girard, 1853), were recognized by Roze and Tilger, 1983, Cat. Am. Amph. Rept. 316:1-4.
Korálovec žlutavý (Micrurus fulvius) je jedovatý had z čeledi korálovcovitých, žijící jihovýchodní části Spojených států a severovýchodním Mexiku.
Dorůstá délky zhruba 80 centimetrů, v ojedinělých případech však až 120 centimetrů. Samci mají delší ocas než samice, ale celkově dosahují samice větší délky. Zbarvení tvoří série černých a červených širokých pruhů, které předělují tenké žluté pruhy. Živí se plazy, žábami a menšími hady. Samice kladou tři až dvanáct vajec.
Obrázky, zvuky či videa k tématu korálovec žlutavý ve Wikimedia Commons
Korálovec žlutavý (Micrurus fulvius) je jedovatý had z čeledi korálovcovitých, žijící jihovýchodní části Spojených států a severovýchodním Mexiku.
Dorůstá délky zhruba 80 centimetrů, v ojedinělých případech však až 120 centimetrů. Samci mají delší ocas než samice, ale celkově dosahují samice větší délky. Zbarvení tvoří série černých a červených širokých pruhů, které předělují tenké žluté pruhy. Živí se plazy, žábami a menšími hady. Samice kladou tři až dvanáct vajec.
Nordamerikansk koralslange (Micrurus fulvius) er en giftig slange, der hører til gruppen koralslanger, der er en del af familien giftsnoge.[2][3]
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Taksonomi fra Wikispecies Nordamerikansk koralslange (Micrurus fulvius) er en giftig slange, der hører til gruppen koralslanger, der er en del af familien giftsnoge.
Die Harlekin-Korallenotter (Micrurus fulvius), auch als Östliche Korallenotter bekannt, zählt innerhalb der Familie der Giftnattern (Elapidae) zur Gattung der Korallenottern (Micrurus). Die Art wurde 1766 von dem schwedischen Naturwissenschaftler Carl von Linné als Coluber fulvius erstbeschrieben. Micrurus fulvius ist monotypisch, Unterarten sind demnach keine bekannt.[1]
Die Harlekin-Korallenotter erreicht eine Länge von 51 bis 76 cm, der größte nachgewiesene Fund lag bei 120,7 cm. Der Körper ist lang und schlank, der Kopf setzt sich nur wenig vom Hals ab. Das Tier ist auffallend bunt und glänzend gezeichnet (Warntracht[2]). Etwa über die Mitte des schwarzen Kopfes zieht sich ein breites, gelbes Band. Der Hals ist ebenfalls schwarz. Über den Körper sind sehr regelmäßig schwarze und rote Bänder verteilt, die sich abwechseln und zu jeder Seite von einem schmalen gelben Band begrenzt werden. Zum Schwanz hin fehlen rote Bänder, schwarze wechseln sich mit breiter werdenden gelben Bändern ab. Der Bauch ist heller gefärbt, weist aber ebenfalls die Zeichnung des Rückens auf. Besonders bei Exemplaren aus dem Süden Floridas sind gelegentlich dunkle Flecken in den schwarzen Ringen zu erkennen. Jungschlangen der Harlekin-Korallenotter messen beim Schlupf circa 18 bis 23 cm. Sie zeigen bereits in etwa die Zeichnung der adulten Tiere.
Die Harlekin-Korallenotter verfügt über ein äußerst starkes Schlangengift, das sich in erster Linie aus Proteinen zusammensetzt, darunter ein Enzym der Phospholipase A₂-Gruppe, welches für myotoxische Eigenschaften des Giftes verantwortlich ist und zur Zerstörung quergestreifter Muskelfasern (Rhabdomyolyse) führen kann. Als indirekte Folge der Rhabdomyolyse können auch Nierenschäden nicht ausgeschlossen werden. Außerdem wirkt das Gift postsynaptisch als Nervengift (Neurotoxin). Nach einem Biss treten typische Vergiftungssymptome in Form von Schwellung und Schmerzen rund um die Bissstelle sowie Magen-Darm-Beschwerden auf. Es folgen neben Muskelschmerzen neurologische und zentralnervöse Beschwerden, insbesondere rasch einsetzende Lähmungserscheinungen. Unbehandelt kann innerhalb von 36 Stunden der Tod durch Atemlähmung eintreten. Behandelt wird je nach Zustand des Patienten mit speziellen Antiveninen.[3] Neben polyvalenten Immunseren steht das spezifische Serum „Wyeth Antivenin Micrurus fulvius“ zur Verfügung.[4] Trotz der starken Giftigkeit sind Bissunfälle durch diese Schlange sehr selten.
Die Harlekin-Korallenotter führt eine verborgene Lebensweise. Sie ist eine bodenbewohnende Giftnatter, die besonders während der Dämmerung am frühen Morgen, aber auch nachts aktiv ist. Sie liegt tagsüber kaum in der Sonne, streift allerdings gelegentlich in der Mittagssonne umher. Oft hält sie sich unter Geröll, Holz, Laub, Palmstümpfen oder ähnlichem versteckt. Sie erbeutet vor allem schlanke Echsen und kleinere Schlangen. Sie pflanzt sich ovipar (eierlegend) fort. Das Gelege wird beispielsweise in Laub versteckt und kann zwischen 2 und 12 Eier umfassen.
Das Hauptverbreitungsgebiet der Harlekin-Korallenotter liegt im Südosten der Vereinigten Staaten. Es zieht sich durch ganz Florida und bis nach Texas. Nach Süden zu erstreckt sich die Verbreitung bis in den Nordosten Mexikos. Die Schlange besiedelt eine Vielzahl an Lebensräumen, darunter Kiefernwälder oder die tropischen Lianenwälder Floridas, auch als "Hammlocks" bekannt. Die Harlekin-Korallenotter ist in der Roten Liste des IUCN als "nicht gefährdet" gelistet.[5]
Die Harlekin-Korallenotter wurde 1766 von dem schwedischen Naturwissenschaftler Carl von Linné als Coluber fulvius erstbeschrieben.
Eine sehr ähnliche Art ist die Texas-Korallenotter (Micrurus tener), die bis vor kurzem als Unterart der Harlekin-Korallenotter eingeordnet wurde, infolge von Untersuchungen durch Crother et al. (2000), Collins & Taggart (2002) und Campbell & Lamar (2004) jedoch Artstatus erhielt.[5]
Die Harlekin-Korallenotter (Micrurus fulvius), auch als Östliche Korallenotter bekannt, zählt innerhalb der Familie der Giftnattern (Elapidae) zur Gattung der Korallenottern (Micrurus). Die Art wurde 1766 von dem schwedischen Naturwissenschaftler Carl von Linné als Coluber fulvius erstbeschrieben. Micrurus fulvius ist monotypisch, Unterarten sind demnach keine bekannt.
Micrurus fulvius, commonly known as the eastern coral snake,[3] common coral snake, American cobra,[4] and more, is a species of highly venomous coral snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States.[1] It should not be confused with the scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea) or scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides), which are harmless mimics.[3] No subspecies are currently recognized.[5]
M. fulvius is generally less than 80 cm (31 in) in total length (including tail). The maximum reported total lengths are 121.8 cm (48.0 in) for a specimen in Florida (Neill, 1958) and 129.5 cm (51.0 in) (Roze, 1996). Males have longer tails than females, but females reach a greater total length.[2]
The dorsal scales are smooth, and are in 15 rows at midbody.[3] The ventral scales number 197–217 in males and 219–233 in females. There are 40–47 subcaudals in males and 30–37 in females.[2] The anal plate is divided.[3]
The color pattern consists of a series of rings that encircle the body: wide red and black rings separated by narrow yellow rings. The head is black from the rostral scale to just behind the eyes. This snake commonly has a black snout as well as black eyes and then a yellow band on the back half of their head behind the eyes. [6] The red rings are usually speckled with black.[3] People who live in its natural range are often taught a folk rhyme as children such as: "Red next to black, safe from attack; red next to yellow, you're a dead fellow," or "Red touching black, friend of Jack; red touching yellow, you're a dead fellow", or simply "red and yellow kill a fellow".[7] These rhymes are useful in teaching children to distinguish king snakes (Lampropeltis ssp.), which are considered helpful predators of vermin such as rats and mice, from the venomous coral snake, which should only be handled by an experienced biologist or herpetologist. However, this rhyme is only applicable to the United States species, and cannot be used reliably in the Caribbean, or Central or South America.
Among the many common names for M. fulvius are eastern coral snake,[3] American cobra, candy-stick snake, common coral snake, coral adder, Elaps harlequin snake, Florida coral snake, harlequin coral snake, North American coral snake, red bead snake, thunder-and-lightning snake,[4][2] and, in Spanish, serpiente-coralillo arlequín (literally "harlequin coral snake").[5]
M. fulvius is found in the Southeastern United States from southeastern North Carolina, south through South Carolina and peninsular Florida, and westward through southern Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi to southeastern Louisiana. Coral snakes in Texas, western Louisiana, and southeastern Arkansas are now considered to be a different species, Micrurus tener, which was previously considered a subspecies of M. fulvius. M. fulvius may be found at altitudes of near sea level to about 400 m (1,300 ft).[2] The current range of the eastern coral snake is predicted to expand as a result of climate change. [8]
M. fulvius occurs in upland mesophytic and tropical hammocks in Florida, as well as glade land, high pine, scrub oak and live oak hammock, slash pine and wiregrass flatwoods. In southern Georgia and Florida, it is found in dry areas with open ground that are bushy but not heavily vegetated. It is associated with sandy ridges in Mississippi and sandy creek bottoms in Louisiana.[2] It is rarer in North and South Carolina, but is more typically found there in the scrub oak forests and pitch pine habitats near the coast, as well as the coastal plain of the southeast.
M. fulvius eats lizards, birds, frogs, fish, insects, and smaller snakes, including other coral snakes.[3][9][10] M. fulvius will attack the head of its prey first in order to envenomate it.[11] M. fulvius will hold on to the prey until it becomes paralyzed. After the prey is paralyzed the snake will consume it.[11]
Females of M. fulvius are reported to lay three to 12 eggs in June that hatch in September. Neonates are 18–23 cm (7.1–9.1 in) in length.[3] Males mature 11–16 months after hatching while females mature approximately 26 months after hatching. Adult females are typically larger than males.[12]
Coral snakes spend most of their time underground (fossoriality) or sheltering under suitable objects, but can be active on the surface during the day in early sprint or at other times when rainfall has saturated the ground. They appear not to be generally surface active at night. Coral snakes are largely diurnal making night sightings are rare[13] Males are most active in the late fall or early spring, when they search for mates, and females are most active in late summer and throughout the fall, when they search for prey that will allow them to build energy reserves for the next season's reproductive effort. Coral snakes will attempt to escape if discovered, and individuals may engage in complex defensive behavior if prevented from doing so. This includes hiding the head beneath the body coils, mimicking the head with their tail (for example, crawling backward and striking with the tail), erratic body movements, and death feigning. Other individuals can be touchy, and will readily bite if restrained in any way.[14]
The venom of M. fulvius is a potent neurotoxin with a median LD50 of 1.3 mg/kg SC.[15] Envenomation causes rapid paralysis and respiratory failure in prey. In humans, symptoms include slurred speech, double vision, and muscular paralysis eventually leading to respiratory failure.[16]
M. fulvius bites and fatalities are very rare. Only two documented fatalities were attributed to this species in the 1950s, and only one has been reported since Wyeth antivenin became available for it in the 1960s. The snakes have a mortality rate between 5–20%. The most recent fatality attributed to the eastern coral snake occurred in 2006 (confirmed in 2009 report).[17] The victim failed to seek proper medical attention and died several hours after being bitten, becoming the first fatality caused by M. fulvius in over 40 years.[17]
M. fulvius does not account for many cases of snakebite in the U.S., with only about 100 bites each year.[18] The snake is considered secretive and generally reluctant to bite (its venomous potential was still being debated in the 1880s), and envenomation (i.e., secretion of venom during a strike) is thought to occur in only 40% of all bites.[2] Unlike New World pit vipers, this New World coral snake cannot control the amount of primarily neurotoxic venom injected. Dry bites often result from a near miss or deflection; although the venom an adult coral snake holds is enough to kill up to five adults, it cannot release all its venom in a single bite.[19][20] Historically, however, the mortality rate was estimated to be about 10–20%, with death occurring in as little as one to two hours, or as much as 26 hours after the bite. This is not that surprising, since the LD100 for humans is estimated to be 4–5 mg of dried venom, while the average venom yield is 2–6 mg with a maximum of more than 12 mg. This is probably why current standard hospital procedure in the U.S. is to start with antivenin therapy for coral snake bites, even if no symptoms are found yet.[2]
Wyeth discontinued the manufacture of coral snake antivenin in 2010, citing a lack of profitability.[18] Pfizer has also decided to halt production of its antivenin for similar reasons (see Coral snake antivenom shortage). As of July 2021, Pfizer indicates that antivenom is available[21] and one source states that production has resumed.[22]
Micrurus tener used to be considered a subspecies of M.Fulvius. However DNA analysis suggests that it may be its own species as the analysis of microsatellites loci seems to place M.tener as a distinct species from M.fulvius.[23]
Micrurus fulvius, commonly known as the eastern coral snake, common coral snake, American cobra, and , is a species of highly venomous coral snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to the southeastern United States. It should not be confused with the scarlet snake (Cemophora coccinea) or scarlet kingsnake (Lampropeltis elapsoides), which are harmless mimics. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Micrurus fulvius es una especie de elápido venenoso que se encuentra solamente en el sudeste de Estados Unidos y el noreste de México.[1] No debe confundirse con una especie inofensiva que se mimetiza con ella, la serpiente escarlata (Cemophora coccinea) y la serpiente escarlata real (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides).[3] No hay subespecies reconocidas actualmente.[4]
Generalmente mide menos de 80 cm de longitud, con máximos de longitud reportados de 121,8 cm para un espécimen en Florida (Niell, 1958) y 129,5 cm (Roze, 1996). Los machos tienen la cola más larga que las hembras, pero éstas alcanzan una longitud total mayor a la de los machos.[2]
Las escamas dorsales son lisas en 15 filas.[3] El número de escamas ventrales es de 197-217 en machos y 219-233 en las hembras. Hay 40-47 subcaudales en machos y 30-37 en hembras.[2] El plato anal se encuentra dividido.[3]
El patrón de color consiste de una serie de anillos que circundan el cuerpo: anillos rojos anchos y negros separados por angostos anillos amarillos. La cabeza es negra desde el rostro hasta detrás de los ojos. Los anillos rojos usualmente son con puntos negros.[3]
Serpiente de coral oriental,[3] Cobra americana, palito de caramelo, serpiente de coral común, serpiente coral, serpiente Elaps arlequín, serpiente coral de Florida, serpiente de liga, serpiente coral arlequín, serpiente real o rey, serpiente coral de norteamericana, serpiente grano rojo, serpiente del trueno y relámpago,[5][2] serpiente-coralillo arlequín (Castellano).[4] más.
Sudeste de Estados Unidos. Sudeste de Carolina del Norte Sur cruzando Carolina del Sur y península de Florida, y hacia el Oeste cruzando el sur de Georgia, Alabama y Misisipi al Sudeste de Luisiana. Puede ser encontrada a altitudes desde cerca del nivel del mar hasta los 400 metros aproximadamente.[2]
Se encuentra en altiplanicies mesofíticas y densas zonas selváticas tropicales cubiertas de arbustos y vides (hamacas) en Florida, como así también en claros en bosques, ¿pinos altos?, arbustales de robles y hamacas de robles vivos, zonas de Pinus elliottii (pine slash: Pinus elliottii es una especie de pino de costas pantanosas de Estados Unidos) y wiregrass flatwoods. En Georgia meridional y Florida se encuentra en áreas secas con tierras abiertas que son arbustivas pero no densamente cubiertas de vegetación. Asociadas con cantos arenosos en Misisipi y fondos arenosos de cauces en Luisiana.[2]
Se alimenta de pequeñas serpientes y lagartos.[3]
Se ha informado que ponen 3-12 huevos en junio y emergen del huevo en septiembre. Las crías miden 18-23 cm de longitud.[3]
Únicamente dos casos fatales documentados se han atribuido a esta especie en los años 50 y no se ha informado de ninguno desde que está disponible el antiveneno antiveneno Wyeth para las mordeduras de esta especie desde los años 60 . No contribuye mucho a la cantidad de mordeduras de serpiente en Estados Unidos debido a su la naturaleza secretiva de su veneno y su rechazo a morder (el potencial del veneno estaba siendo aún debatido en los años 80). Además, se estima que el envenenamiento ocurre en sólo el 40% de todas las mordeduras. Históricamente, sin embargo, la tasa de mortalidad ha sido estimada en alrededor del 10-20%, con muertes que ocurren en tan poco como 1-2 horas, o como máximo 26 horas después de la mordedura. Esto no es sorprendente, dado que la DL100 para humanos se estima que es 4-5 mg veneno seco, mientras que la entrega promedio de veneno es de 2-6 mg con máximos de más de 12 mg. Esto es probablemente porque los procedimientos estándar actuales en los hospitales de Estados Unidos comienzan con terapia de antiveneno para mordedura de coral aun cuando todavía no haya síntomas (dado que puede no haber ningún síntoma notable localizado).[2]
Datos: Q1513945
Multimedia:
Especies: Micrurus fulvius
Micrurus fulvius es una especie de elápido venenoso que se encuentra solamente en el sudeste de Estados Unidos y el noreste de México. No debe confundirse con una especie inofensiva que se mimetiza con ella, la serpiente escarlata (Cemophora coccinea) y la serpiente escarlata real (Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides). No hay subespecies reconocidas actualmente.
Micrurus fulvius Micrurus generoko animalia da. Narrastien barruko Elapidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Micrurus fulvius Micrurus generoko animalia da. Narrastien barruko Elapidae familian sailkatuta dago.
Harlekiinikorallikäärme eli harlekiinikäärme[3] (Micrurus fulvius) on erittäin myrkyllinen korallikäärmelaji. Se kasvaa korkeintaan metrin pituiseksi ja on rakenteeltaan hoikka. Pyöreässä päässä sijaitsevat pienet silmät ja suu. Harlekiinikorallikäärmeen väritys on samankaltainen muiden korallikäärmeiden kanssa eli puna-kelta-mustaraidallinen. Eräät myrkyttömät tarhakäärmelajit matkivat tätä väritystä, joista harlekiinikorallikäärme eroaa silmän ja sierainten välisen loreaalisuomun puuttumisen avulla. Lajin pääasiallisinta ravintoa ovat muut pienet käärmeet ja liskot. Harlekiinikorallikäärme munii 3-13 munaa. Lajin levinneisyys kattaa Yhdysvaltojen etelä- ja kaakkoisosat sekä Koillis-Meksikon, missä se elää yleisesti kuivilla metsäalueilla lehtien tai maakolojen kätköissä.[4] Ongelmana on harlekiinikorallikäärmeiden oleskelu satunnaisesti ihmisasutuksen lähellä, erityisesti pelloilla, missä niitä tulee esiin kynnettäessä.[5]
Harlekiinikorallikäärme eli harlekiinikäärme (Micrurus fulvius) on erittäin myrkyllinen korallikäärmelaji. Se kasvaa korkeintaan metrin pituiseksi ja on rakenteeltaan hoikka. Pyöreässä päässä sijaitsevat pienet silmät ja suu. Harlekiinikorallikäärmeen väritys on samankaltainen muiden korallikäärmeiden kanssa eli puna-kelta-mustaraidallinen. Eräät myrkyttömät tarhakäärmelajit matkivat tätä väritystä, joista harlekiinikorallikäärme eroaa silmän ja sierainten välisen loreaalisuomun puuttumisen avulla. Lajin pääasiallisinta ravintoa ovat muut pienet käärmeet ja liskot. Harlekiinikorallikäärme munii 3-13 munaa. Lajin levinneisyys kattaa Yhdysvaltojen etelä- ja kaakkoisosat sekä Koillis-Meksikon, missä se elää yleisesti kuivilla metsäalueilla lehtien tai maakolojen kätköissä. Ongelmana on harlekiinikorallikäärmeiden oleskelu satunnaisesti ihmisasutuksen lähellä, erityisesti pelloilla, missä niitä tulee esiin kynnettäessä.
Micrurus fulvius ou serpent arlequin est une espèce de serpents de la famille des Elapidae[1].
Cette espèce est endémique des États-Unis[1]. Elle se rencontre au Texas, en Louisiane, en Arkansas, au Mississippi, en Alabama, en Floride, au Géorgie, en Caroline du Sud et en Caroline du Nord.
Micrurus fulvius mesure environ 80 centimètres.
Il serpente corallo comune (nome scientifico Micrurus fulvius) è diffuso tra le regioni sudorientali degli Stati Uniti d'America e il nord-est del Messico[1] ha dimensioni relativamente ridotte, che non superano i 120 cm di lunghezza.
Nonostante le sue dimensioni, questo elapide è un grande predatore, attivo soprattutto di giorno. Tra le sue prede preferite si annoverano altri serpenti, compresi quelli della propria specie, lucertole, uccelli, anfibi, pesci e anche insetti, che ne costituiscono la principale fonte di nutrimento nelle prime fasi di vita, quando le dimensioni troppo ridotte gli impediscono di catturare prede più grosse. Il serpente corallo uccide le vittime inoculando il proprio potente veleno, dall'effetto neurotossico, tramite gli affilati denti anteriori (è infatti un ofide proteroglifo). La morte sopraggiunge nel giro di pochi minuti a causa di un blocco neuromuscolare.
Il serpente corallo predilige la vita solitaria, ma modifica questa abitudine nella stagione dell'accoppiamento, in primavera. La coppia si separa subito dopo che la femmina è stata fecondata, in quanto il maschio, di dimensioni generalmente inferiori, potrebbe essere divorato dalla compagna in caso rimanesse nelle vicinanze troppo a lungo. Cinque settimane più tardi, la femmina depone le uova, in numero variabile da 5 a 7, che si schiuderanno nel giro di circa due mesi. I piccoli si disperdono immediatamente nel territorio ma, sebbene siano già in grado di inoculare il veleno, sono molto vulnerabili e facili vittime dei predatori.
Le femmine raggiungono la maturità sessuale verso i due anni, quando misurano circa 55 cm, mentre i maschi sono più precoci e la raggiungono tra il primo e il secondo anno di vita, a una lunghezza non superiore ai 45 cm.
Predilige le zone boscose relativamente asciutte e pietrose, sebbene se ne incontrino esemplari anche in prossimità di zone umide o paludose.
A differenza di molte altre specie di ofidi, il serpente corallo comune presenta una colorazione aposematica molto vistosa, nella quale spiccano i colori giallo, rosso e nero distribuiti in anelli di spessore variabile lungo tutto il corpo, dalla testa fino all'estremità della coda. La sequenza cromatica è molto importante per il riconoscimento della specie, in quanto esistono altri serpenti non velenosi, come Lampropeltis triangulum o Anilius scytale, che imitano i colori del serpente corallo come strategia difensiva (mimetismo batesiano).
Questa è una semplice filastrocca per riconoscere un vero serpente corallo da uno falso: "Nero su giallo, serpente corallo; Rosso su nero, non è quello vero." Un'altra filastrocca che serve a riconoscere il Corallo usata dai viaggiatori che attraversano il suo habitat è questa: "Da rosso a nero è libero il sentiero, da rosso a giallo di sicuro è un corallo".
Questo tipo di difesa dai predatori potrebbe però non essere particolarmente vantaggioso per entrambe le specie proprio per via della velenosità letale del serpente corallo: infatti qualora un predatore dovesse attaccare un serpente corallo vero e questi difendendosi lo mordesse uccidendolo, non si avrebbe un predatore che avrà associato la colorazione del serpente alla sua pericolosità; al contrario se un predatore dovesse attaccare per primo un falso serpente corallo, poi potrebbe attaccarne uno vero non avendo avuto sensazioni spiacevoli associate a quel tipo di preda.
Va però rilevato che generalmente in natura i colori accesi di per sé rappresentano un segnale di pericolo per i predatori (colorazione aposematica)[2].
Inoltre, anche il serpente corallo potrebbe essere a sua volta un imitatore, infatti nelle stesse zone vive un altro serpente noto come Erythrolamprus il quale presenta una colorazione simile e che è solo modestamente velenoso. Se questo serpente morde un predatore gli causa dolore ma non la morte, in questo modo l'aggressore può imparare dall'esperienza ed evitare il contatto con Erythrolamprus e tutti i serpenti a lui simili compreso il vero corallo. Ciò potrebbe spiegare il significato della colorazione del corallo la quale potrebbe essere apparentemente inutile in quanto essendo questo un serpente mortale non permetterebbe ai predatori di apprendere in caso lui li mordesse, invece sfruttando la sua somiglianza con Erythrolamprus, velenoso ma non mortale, viene comunque evitato anche da chi non l'ha mai incontrato prima (Mimetismo emsleyano o mertensiano).
Il serpente corallo comune (nome scientifico Micrurus fulvius) è diffuso tra le regioni sudorientali degli Stati Uniti d'America e il nord-est del Messico ha dimensioni relativamente ridotte, che non superano i 120 cm di lunghezza.
Multimedia w Wikimedia Commons Koralówka arlekin, wąż koralowy arlekin (Micrurus fulvius) – gatunek jadowitego węża z rodziny zdradnicowatych (Elapidae).
Występuje w USA: w Teksasie, Luizjanie, Arkansas, Missisipi, Alabamie, Georgii, na Florydzie, Karolinie Północnej i Południowej[4], a także w Meksyku.
Osobniki tego gatunku zwykle są wielkości od 60 cm do 100 cm, osobnik rekordowy mierzył 122 cm[5]. Arlekin jest jednym z okazalszych gatunków z rodzaju Micrurus. Cechuje się charakterystycznym ubarwieniem typowym dla wszystkich koralówek. Są to czarno-czerwone pasy rozdzielone wąskimi kanarkowo-żółtymi paskami.
Zamieszkuje lasy i nieużytki pokryte zaroślami.
Poluje nocą na gady, płazy, pisklęta i owady, dzień przesypia ukryty wśród butwiejących liści, w termitierach, pod wykrotami powalonych drzew albo w norach wygrzebanych przez gryzonie.
Wąż ten dysponuje bardzo silnym jadem o dużej zawartości neurotoksyn, które działają paraliżująco na układ nerwowy. Ukąszenia arlekina są śmiertelne w ciągu 24 godzin przy braku pomocy medycznej. Jednak wypadki pogryzienia przez te węże zdarzają się bardzo rzadko. Możliwości kontaktów z człowiekiem ogranicza także siedlisko arlekina, który omija ludzkie obejścia.
Koralówka arlekin, wąż koralowy arlekin (Micrurus fulvius) – gatunek jadowitego węża z rodziny zdradnicowatych (Elapidae).
Micrurus fulvius[3] este o specie de șerpi din genul Micrurus, familia Elapidae, descrisă de Linnaeus 1766.[4][5] A fost clasificată de IUCN ca specie cu risc scăzut.[1] Conform Catalogue of Life specia Micrurus fulvius nu are subspecii cunoscute.[4]
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Acest articol referitor la o reptilă este un ciot. Puteți ajuta Wikipedia prin completarea sa. Micrurus fulvius este o specie de șerpi din genul Micrurus, familia Elapidae, descrisă de Linnaeus 1766. A fost clasificată de IUCN ca specie cu risc scăzut. Conform Catalogue of Life specia Micrurus fulvius nu are subspecii cunoscute.
Micrurus fulvius là một loài rắn trong họ Rắn hổ. Loài này được Linnaeus mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1766.[2]
Micrurus fulvius là một loài rắn trong họ Rắn hổ. Loài này được Linnaeus mô tả khoa học đầu tiên năm 1766.
