Micrurus ibiboboca (Serpentes, Elapidae) is not a Guiana Shield Species

Abstract

( ) Coral snakes (Micrurus) are a diverse group of Neotropical squamates. Similarities in morphology and coloration can make identification difficult, especially in areas of species sympatry. Species with triad-type coloration, approximately 30% of all Micrurus species, are among the most difficult to identify. Micrurus ibiboboca Merrem, 1820 is an east Brazilian species with triad-type coloration. There are also reports of M. ibiboboca from the Guiana region, in Guyana, French Guiana and Surinam. In a recent revision of the genus Micrurus, Roze (1996) stated that “isolated populations [of M. ibiboboca] are probably also found in Suriname and French Guiana”, although the accompanying map of the species’ distribution shows no records from north of the Amazon. Roze’s distribution list by countries includes M. ibiboboca in the Surinam list, but not in the French Guiana list. In publications prior to 1996, Roze did not mention M. ibiboboca as occurring in French Guiana or Surinam (Roze 1967, 1983). Furthermore Roze (1996) suggested that the Guianan specimens of M. ibiboboca may really be M. isozonus. Other authors have reported the occurrence of M. ibiboboca in the Guiana region. Abuys