Micrurus browni explained

Micrurus browni, commonly known as Brown's coral snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Guatemala and southwestern Mexico.^[1] There are three recognized subspecies, including the nominate subspecies described here.

Etymology

The specific name, browni, is in honor of American scientific collector Wilmot W. Brown Jr..^{[2] [3]}

Spanish common names

Common names for M. browni in Spanish include Serpiente-coralillo de Brown, coral, coral de Acapulco, coral de Antigua, coral (or coralillo) de canutos, and vibora de coral.

Description

Brown's coral snake can grow to 100cm (00inches) in total length (including tail), but it is usually 50cm (20inches) to 70cm (30inches). It has smooth dorsal scales, a rounded head, and eyes with round pupils. Its color pattern is three-colored: broad red rings, separated by 10-27 black rings, each black ring bordered by two narrow yellow bands. The snout is black. There is usually a yellow band, across the top of the head, halfway back.

Geographic range

The geographic distribution of M. browni is limited to Quintana Roo in southwestern Mexico, and western Guatemala, including Sacatepequez. Previous reports for Honduras have been found to be incorrect.

Habitat

M. browni is mainly found in tropical deciduous forest, pine-oak forest, and cloud forest at elevations ranging from sea level up to 2000m (7,000feet).

Behavior

Although little is known about the behavior of M. browni, like most other coral snakes it may be nocturnal, terrestrial and probably dwells in burrows, leaf litter, or under logs. While usually not aggressive, it will bite when molested or restrained.

Diet

M. browni feeds on small lizards, amphibians, invertebrates, and other snakes.

Reproduction

Like other members of the genus Micrurus, M. browni is oviparous and may lay a maximum of 15 eggs per clutch.

Venom

Little is known about the effects of M. browni venom. It may contain neurotoxin, which can cause neuromuscular dysfunction, as is the case with the venom of other coral snakes.

Subspecies

The following three subspecies of Micrurus browni are recognized as being valid.^[4]

• Micrurus browni browni Schmidt & H.M. Smith, 1943

• Micrurus browni importunus Roze, 1967

• Micrurus browni taylori Schmidt & H.M. Smith, 1943

The subspecific name, taylori, is in honor of American herpetologist Edward Harrison Taylor.^[5]

Further reading

• Heimes P (2016). Snakes of Mexico: Herpetofauna Mexicana Vol. I. Frankfurt am Main, Germany: Chimaira. 572 pp. .
• Roze J (1967). "A Check List of the New World Venomous Coral Snakes (Elapidae), with Descriptions of New Forms". American Museum Novitates (2287): 1–60. (Micrurus browni importunus, new subspecies, pp. 11–12 + Figure 4).
• Schmidt KP, Smith HM (1943). "Notes on coral snakes from México". Field Museum of Natural History Zoological Series 29 (2): 25-31. (Micrurus browni, new species, pp. 29–30; Micrurus nuchalis taylori, new subspecies, pp. 30–31).

Notes and References

1. Web site: Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB). Micrurus browni . AFPMB Living Hazards Database . AFPMB . 2011-02-17 .
2. 10.3099/0027-4100-162.6.347 . Wilmot W. Brown: One of the Most Prolific Collectors of the Vertebrate Fauna of the New World . 2020 . Clark . Kevin B. . Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology . 162 . 6 . 347 . 210974132 .
3. Zoological Series of Field Museum of Natural History. 29. 2 . Schmidt. Karl P.. Smith. Hobart M.. 1943. Notes on Coral Snakes from Mexico. We find it desirable to extend the geographic partition of Micrurus nigrocinctus, a subspecies complex that enters Mexico only in Chiapas, and to describe two additional distinct forms from Guerrero, to one of which we attach the name of the veteran collector W. W. Brown, and to the other that of Edward H. Taylor.
4. www.reptile-database.org.
5. [Richard Allen "Bo" Crombet-Beolens|Beolens B]