Erythrolamprus ocellatus


Erythrolamprus ocellatus, commonly known as the Tobago false coral snake, Red snake, or Doctor snake is a species of colubrid snake, which is endemic to the island of Tobago.

Description

Unlike other Erythrolamprus species, E. ocellatus is not sympatric with coral snakes and has a spotted rather than a banded pattern.
Dorsally, it is reddish, and has a series of about 25 large ocelli running down the middle of the back. The dorsal surfaces of the head and neck are black, and the tail is ringed with black.

Geographic Range, Habitat and Activity

The species is a Tobago endemic, known only from the wetter northeastern and central parts of the island. It utilizes leaf-litter and is perhaps also fossorial in rainforest, forest edge and cacao plantation habitats. It seems to be most active in the early morning and late afternoon.

Diet

It probably feeds on other snakes.