Oxyrhopus petolarius

Oxyrhopus petola, commonly known as the false coral or calico snake, is a species of colubrid snake endemic to South America.According to Savage (2011) the correct scientific name should be Oxyrhopus petolarius. Other common names for O. petolarius include calico snake and forest flame snake. O. petolarius is found in central and northern South America, including Trinidad and Tobago. Adults of O. petolarius may attain a total length of 91 cm (36 in), which includes a tail 22 cm (8.7 in) long. Coloration is variable. It usually consists of some combination of red and black rings or crossbands. In some individuals the light-colored crossbands are white instead of red on the anterior part of the body. The dorsal scales are smooth, with apical pits, and are arranged in 19 rows at midbody. O. petolarius is rear-fanged, and its venom is extremely toxic to anole lizards. O. petolarius feeds on lizards, frogs, small rodents, birds, and probably other snakes.