Erythrolamprus bizona


Erythrolamprus bizona, commonly known as the double-banded false coral snake, is a species of colubrid snake, which is endemic to northern South America and Central America.

Geographic range

It is found in Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, and on the island of Trinidad.

Mimicry

Similar in pattern to a coral snake, this species probably gains protection through mimicry.

Diet

It probably feeds mainly on other snakes.

Habitat

It is often found in the leaf litter or burrowed in the soil in rain forests.

Symbiotic relationship

It burrows primarily near the Pouteria caimito, commonly known as the abiu, a tropical fruit tree, the nutrients of which supply the snake's clutch of eggs. In turn the tree is fertilized by the snake's urine and embryotic fluid.