Sinomicrurus sauteri (common names: Taiwan coral snake,[3] oriental coral snake[2] and Formosa coral snake[4]) is a highly venomous[2][3] species of coral snake in the family Elapidae.[1][2][3][5] The species is endemic to Taiwan and known from southern and central Taiwan at elevations of 500–1,500 m (1,600–4,900 ft) above sea level.[1][3]
The specific name, sauteri, is in honor of German entomologist Hans Sauter (1871–1943).[6]
S. sauteri grows to 98 cm (39 in) in total length (including tail).[3] The upper side of the body is dark brown or crimson, and has three black longitudinal stripes from neck to tip of tail, of which the mid-dorsal stripe is narrower than the lateral ones.[3]
Sinomicrurus sauteri is highly venomous. Although it is not aggressive and very few reports of attacks have been reported, its venom is potentially life-threatening.[3]
Sinomicrurus sauteri is oviparous.[1][3]
Sinomicrurus sauteri may be found in forests or meadows in mountainous area at lower or middle altitudes. It is typically nocturnal.[1]
S. sauteri is a rare species[3] protected by the law.[1][3] It is not considered threatened.[1]
Sinomicrurus sauteri (common names: Taiwan coral snake, oriental coral snake and Formosa coral snake) is a highly venomous species of coral snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Taiwan and known from southern and central Taiwan at elevations of 500–1,500 m (1,600–4,900 ft) above sea level.
