Banded Malaysian Coralsnake

Calliophis intestinalis

☠️ Highly venomous

Description

The Banded Malaysian Coralsnake (Calliophis intestinalis) is a small, slender, and strikingly colored elapid snake found throughout Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It typically has alternating black and red or orange bands along its body, with a bright red or orange head and tail. The species is primarily nocturnal and secretive, spending most of its time under leaf litter or in loose soil in forests and plantations.

Venomous?

Yes. This species is highly venomous and belongs to the cobra family (Elapidae). Its venom is neurotoxic, capable of affecting the nervous system, but due to its small size and reclusive nature, bites on humans are extremely rare.

A Danger to Humans?

Not aggressive. The Banded Malaysian Coralsnake is very shy and avoids confrontation. It will only bite when severely provoked or handled carelessly. However, due to its potent venom, it should never be approached or handled.

Population Size

Stable

Life Span

-

WEIGHT​

30.5 g

LENGTH

Total length 70 cm

Ca

Carnivore

No

Nocturnal

Te

Terrestrial

Classification

KINGDOM

:

Animalia

PHYLUM

:

Chordata

CLASS

:

Reptilia

ORDER

:

Squamata

FAMILY

:

Elapidae

GENUS

:

Calliophis

SPECIES

:

Calliophis intestinalis

Distribution

Calliophis intestinalis lives in moist forests, but is also often seen in rice fields, village plantations and yards in lowlands and midlands

Geography

Continent : Asia

Country : Calliophis intestinalis is well known in Thailand, Malaysia (Malay Peninsula and Sarawak-Sabah), Singapore, and Indonesia (Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan).

Habits and Lifestyle

This shy snake is active at night and is able to roam both on the ground and in the soil (semi-fossorial). This snake is often found under wood, piles of rocks, and also litter. During the day, the chili snake is not aggressive and does not shy away even when disturbed. If disturbed, this snake will flatten its body and lift its tail, so that the underside of its tail is red. Sometimes this snake also rolls over or shows its belly, which is black and white.

Lifestyle

Terrestrial dan semifossorial

Biome

Moist forest

Climate Zone

Tropical

Diet and Nutrition

Calliophis intestinalis is a carnivorous species. Its main food is small burrowing (fosorial) snakes, including the Calamaria and Liopeltis species.

Diet : Carnivora

Mating Habits

Calliophis intestinalis reproduces by laying eggs (ovipar). The number of eggs produced is 3-5 eggs. The eggs will hatch after being incubated for 80 to 85 days.

Reproduction session : –

Incubation periods: 80 – 85 days

Independent age : at birth

Baby name : –

Baby carrying : 3 – 5 eggs

Population

Population status : Least Concern (LC)

NE

DD

LC

NT

VU

EN

CR

EW

EX

Population threats​

This species may be threatened by forest loss driven by agricultural land conversion, however, as this widespread snake has been recorded from agricultural land, this is not considered a major threat and any impacts are likely to be localized.

Population number​

This species has been recorded from southern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Indonesia. Calliophis intestinalis is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a variety of habitats, including human-modified environments, and because it faces no major threats.

PHOTO GALLERY

Reference

  1. Grismer, L., Chan-Ard, T., Diesmos, A.C., Delima, E.M., Gonzalez, J.C., Gaulke, M., Inger, R.F. & Tampos, G. 2012. Calliophis intestinalis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T177500A1489467
  2. Calliophis intestinalis Wikipedia article
  3. Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.