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Glite Dictionary
Micruroides euryxanthus

Micruroides euryxanthus

9.9
A small venomous coral snake from Central America to southwestern United States with bright red, black, and yellow bands
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Micruroides euryxanthus
  • Sightings of Micruroides euryxanthus are most common in the deserts of Arizona.

Examples

  • The Micruroides euryxanthus is recognized by its distinctive red, black, and yellow bands.

  • The Micruroides euryxanthus is often mistaken for other harmless snakes.

  • Herpetologists study the Micruroides euryxanthus to understand its venom and behavior.

  • Have you seen a Micruroides euryxanthus in the wild?

  • The Micruroides euryxanthus, often recognized by its vibrant bands, is commonly found in the southwestern United States.

  • Wildlife experts warn that the Micruroides euryxanthus is a small but dangerous species of coral snake.

  • As part of its habitat, the Micruroides euryxanthus prefers dry, arid regions in Central America.

Synonyms

western coral snake
vsMicruroides euryxanthus
  • US
8.1

A snake with venom and red, yellow, black bands that lives in southwest US and Central America

refers to the same species but uses a general phrase for its bright bands

Surface Forms

Micruroides euryxanthus singular
Micruroides euryxanthus plural

Morphology

Micruroides + euryxanthus

This is a scientific Latin binomial rather than a compositional English phrase: one constituent ('euryxanthus') is not a standard English word and the name functions as an arbitrary label for a species. Even if a learner recognizes 'Micruroides' as related to small venomous snakes, species names are not predictably interpretable from parts by a B1 learner, so the meaning is not derivable.

Etymology

Micruroides euryxanthus may come from Greek words describing the snake: Micruroides means 'small' and euryxanthus means 'broad yellow'. The name gives a clear picture of a small coral snake with bright, wide yellow bands, which is why it is used for this species.