OBSERVATION OF OPHIOPHAGY AND POSSIBLE ARBORAL BEHAVIOR IN MICRURUS DISTANS (SQUAMATA: ELAPIDAE) ON LEPTODEIRA SEPTENTRIONALIS (SQUAMATA: DIPSADIDAE) AND COMMENTS ON ITS DISTRIBUTION IN SINALOA, MEXICO

Abstract

The coral snake Micrurus distans is a species endemic to Mexico. It inhabits mainly terrestrial habitats, and little is known about its specific diet. Herein, we report an observation of ophiophagy in M. distans on a Leptodeira septentrionalis and possible arboreal behavior of the species. We also comment on the distribution of L. septentrionalis and argue for its inclusion in the herpetofaunal lists of Sinaloa, despite having been recorded in previous years and excluded in a recent listing. In addition, we verify the presence of the species in the municipality of Cosalá based on citizen science records. Finally, we conclude that these observations support the idea that M. distans is an opportunistic predator of other snakes and adaptable to environmental circumstances.