About Sinomicrurus swinhoei (Van Denburgh, 1912)
Sinomicrurus swinhoei, also known by its synonym Sinomicrurus sauteri, is a relatively small species of coral snake. Males have a snout–vent length (SVL) ranging from 19 to 48 cm (7.5 to 18.9 in), while females range from 19 to 51 cm (7.5 to 20.1 in). The tail accounts for 10 to 16 percent of the total SVL. Some sources report a much higher maximum total length that includes the tail, at 98 cm (39 in). This species has 13 dorsal scale rows. Females have 223 to 239 ventral scales, compared to 207 to 221 for males. Females have 32 to 36 subcaudal scales, while males have 36 to 41 subcaudal scales. There are 1+1 temporal scales. The dorsal side of the head has a broad cream to white band that crosses the head behind the eyes. The base head color is brown-black to black. The underside of the head is white to very light gray, and the snout is whitish. The dorsal side of the body and tail ranges from red to rusty brown, with scales flecked with diffuse dark brown or black markings. There is a series of narrow, black cross bands with light edges that may be incomplete along the flanks. The ventral side is cream to light gray with irregular black markings. This species is widespread across Taiwan, occurring at elevations below 1,000 m (3,300 ft) or 1,200 m (3,900 ft) above sea level. It inhabits the montane forest floor, living in stone cracks and among leaf litter. It is cathemeral, active at both day and irregular intervals at night. It is a rare species that holds protected status in Taiwan. Sinomicrurus swinhoei is oviparous, and females lay 4 to 14 eggs during the summer.
