Micrurus mertensi, also known commonly as Mertens's coral snake, the Peruvian desert coral snake, and la coral peruana del desierto in South American Spanish, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to northwestern South America.
Etymology The specific name, mertensi, is in honor of German herpetologist Robert Mertens.
Description Micrurus mertensi is medium to large for the genus Micrurus. Adults usually have a total length (tail included) of , but the maximum recorded total length is . xii + 328 pp., 38 maps, 63 color photographs, 49 color pattern drawings. (Micrurus mertensi, p. 195 + Map 25 + Pattern 36).
Like most New World coral snakes, the color pattern of M. mertensi consists of a combination of red, black, and white (or yellow) rings. The red rings are widest, and some of the included dorsal scales may have small black tips. The black rings are slightly narrower and are not arranged in triads. The white rings, which separate the red from the black, are narrowest and may not extend across the venter.
Geographic distribution Micrurus mertensi is found in Ecuador and Peru.
Habitat Micrurus mertensi is found in a variety of habitats, including forest, shrubland, and desert, at elevations from near sea level to , usually near a river or stream.
Behavior Micrurus mertensi is terrestrial.
Diet Micrurus mertensi preys on snakes (ophiophagy), including blind snakes such as Epictia subcrotilla, and the venomous pit viper Bothrops pictus.
Reproduction Micrurus mertensi, is oviparous.
Venom The average venom yield obtained by scientists "milking" Micrurus mertensi was 2 mg (dry weight). The lethal dose for an adult human is unknown.
References
Further reading
1,073 pp. (Foreword by Russell A. Mittermeier). (Micrurus mertensi, p. 446). (Micrurus mertensi, new species, pp. 192–193).