Micruroides
Micruroides is a genus of venomous coral snake in the family Elapidae. The genus is monotypic, containing only the species Micruroides euryxanthus.
Micruroides euryxanthus, commonly known as the Sonoran coral snake, Western Coral Snake or the Arizona coral snake, is endemic to northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States.
The color pattern consists of broad, alternating rings of red and black, separated by narrower rings of white or yellow. Markings become paler as they reach the belly. The head is black,[4] the black extending to the posterior border of the parietals.[5]
The smooth dorsal scales are arranged in 15 rows at midbody. The ventrals number 214–241. The anal plate is divided. The subcaudals number 21–34, and are divided (paired).[6]
Micruroides euryxanthus resembles Micrurus fulvius. However, the white or yellow rings are broader than in M. fulvius, and there are fewer black rings on the tail, usually only 2.[6] Also, the first ring on the body (the first ring behind the white or yellow ring on the back of the head) is red, whereas in Micrurus fulvius it is black.[7]
The venom of M. euryxanthus is neurotoxic and extremely potent, but no fatalities have been reported.[4]
