No matter how much you study the incredible wonders of our planet, there is always room for surprise. We are accustomed to secretive reptiles, gliding imperceptibly among foliage and grass. The coral snake produces a completely different impression. One name is worth it! There is a lot of talk about this reptile. She regularly takes prizes in various ratings, captivating experts with her appearance and habits. Let's see what's so special about her.
Description
The coral snake got its sonorous nickname due to its unusual color. The predominant color is red. Asp, unlike many other relatives, is brightly colored. Red spots are interspersed with contrasting white and black. Less common are quite incredible snakes, flaunting heavenly blue or pink dawn, spreading rings over the skin. The size of this reptile is not impressive. Its maximum length is seventy centimeters. The head is small, blunt. This asp is differentlove to change skin. It sheds up to six times a year. Another oddity for a snake - likes to drink water, but not swim.
Lifestyle
People rarely get a chance to admire this "beauty". She prefers to hide in damp foliage, cool grass. The coral snake is nocturnal. Sometimes, during the rainy season, her instincts fail. Then you can see the asp in the open area. This is dangerous. A poisonous coral snake can harm a person. The habitat of this animal is from the southern states of the USA through Brazil to the Mato Grosso plateau. Finding a coral snake is not an easy task. She does not like curious eyes, random alarms. Lives among foliage and grass. Spends most of the time in the shade, and even dug into the ground. A coral snake can be driven out to the surface at a normal (non-nuptial) time only by showers that interfere with its peaceful existence. Sometimes it appears near human habitation (mostly by chance). The coral snake is oviparous. The mating season for these animals is only once a year. One or two eggs appear in the clutch.
Food
Coral snake (photo) prefers hunting. Its diet includes insects, amphibians, some lizards. Sometimes she is able to catch and swallow a small bird. Without food, a snake can remain for a long time, which cannot be said about water. She needs to drink often (for reptiles). Already on the third day of the “drought”, she begins to feel a lack of moisture. When keeping an asp in captivity, it is necessary to ensure that he has constant access to water (fulldrinker). Feed should be large insects (Madagascar cockroaches are recommended) or earthworms. In captivity, the reptile needs constant care. Terrarium fans are advised to purchase the serum ahead of time and keep an eye on its expiration date to avoid trouble.
Bite
It is not recommended for a person to argue with this snake. She usually bites on the leg. Since her teeth are small, a barely noticeable wound appears.
Most often, a person understands the event by the pain spreading over the limb, and even then not always. After about a dozen minutes, vomiting appears, sometimes with blood. Sometimes there is a severe headache. If the antidote is not taken in time, then paralysis may develop, in rare cases the heart can not stand it, then death follows. The snake is characterized by a tenacious bite. She does not open her jaws immediately after injecting poison, like other asps. She "chews" her victim. From the bite there are many barely noticeable wounds. If you're lucky, and it immediately slips off the skin, then the effect of the poison will be minimal.
The coral snake is very popular among reptile lovers due to its bright appearance. She is kept in terrariums, studied, filmed. Even tattoos in the style of this asp have become a fashion trend among certain groups. This is a symbol of a fearless, treacherous, wise, secretive warrior, endowed with great power.
