# Banded Malaysian coral snake

> The banded Malaysian coral snake (Calliophis intestinalis) is a small venomous snake with a red tail and black-and-white belly from western Indonesia.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/banded-malaysian-coral-snake/ · Updated 25 September 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/ular-cabai-kecil/
_This Markdown mirror is generated at build time from the same data as the HTML page. Cite the HTML page URL and its update date._

**Review status:** Compiled and checked against the listed sources; not yet reviewed by a specialist.

## Quick answer

The Banded Malaysian coral snake (*Calliophis intestinalis*) is a reptile in the family Elapidae. Its IUCN Red List category is Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Calliophis intestinalis* |
| Indonesian name | Ular cabai kecil |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Elapidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo (Kalimantan) and the Riau Islands |
| Linked habitats | [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/), [Urban Habitats](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/urban/) |
| Diet | Mainly other snakes, such as the Brahminy blind snake |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo and the Riau Islands |
| Key feature | Red-orange back stripe, red tail, black-and-white belly |
| Length | Up to about 50 cm |
| Risk to people | Venomous; bites need prompt medical care |
| Other names | Ular cabai kecil, ular cabe, striped coral snake |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9050371) · checked 25 September 2026 |

## What is the banded Malaysian coral snake?

The banded Malaysian coral snake (Calliophis intestinalis) is a venomous Asian coral snake in the family Elapidae. It reaches about 50 cm at most. It has a reddish-orange stripe down the back, a red tail, a pale stripe along each side and a striking black-and-white banded belly.

Its colouring varies greatly. The Bornean subspecies, C. i. thepassi, lacks reddish stripes on the body. In 2020 the bright red-bellied form, once included in this species, was separated as Calliophis nigrotaeniatus, which has a pair of grey or dark blue stripes along the sides. Like its relatives, it has a head barely distinct from the neck and small eyes.

Evidence: [Ecology Asia — Banded Malayan Coral Snake, Calliophis intestinalis](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/banded_malayan_coral_snake.htm) · [The Reptile Database — Calliophis intestinalis (Laurenti, 1768)](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calliophis&species=intestinalis) · [Zoological Science (PubMed) — Fukuyama et al. (2020), Systematics of Calliophis intestinalis with the resurrection of Calliophis nigrotaeniatus](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33269875/)

## Where does the banded Malaysian coral snake live?

In Indonesia, the banded Malaysian coral snake is recorded from Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo (Kalimantan) and the Riau Islands. The Reptile Database recognises three subspecies: C. i. intestinalis on Java and Sumatra, C. i. lineata in the Riau Islands and Sumatra, and C. i. thepassi on Borneo, described from Sintang in West Kalimantan. Records from the Mentawai Islands have not been assigned to a subspecies.

Outside Indonesia it occurs in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and East Malaysia. It lives on the ground in forest and sometimes in overgrown parks and gardens. In Greater Jakarta it appeared twice in records of snakes rescued from residential areas between 2015 and 2019.

Evidence: [The Reptile Database — Calliophis intestinalis (Laurenti, 1768)](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calliophis&species=intestinalis) · [Ecology Asia — Banded Malayan Coral Snake, Calliophis intestinalis](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/banded_malayan_coral_snake.htm) · [Media Konservasi (IPB) — Khoerunisa et al. (2022), Diversity of snake rescued from residential areas in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area, Indonesia](https://journal.ipb.ac.id/index.php/konservasi/article/view/34956)

## What does the banded Malaysian coral snake eat?

The banded Malaysian coral snake feeds mainly on other snakes, especially the tiny Brahminy blind snake, according to Ecology Asia, a guide to South-east Asian wildlife. The Reptile Database also cites Greene (1997) as saying that snakes of the genus Maticora eat only snakes. Maticora is the old genus name for this group, which Slowinski and colleagues merged into Calliophis in 2001.

Evidence: [Ecology Asia — Banded Malayan Coral Snake, Calliophis intestinalis](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/banded_malayan_coral_snake.htm) · [The Reptile Database — Calliophis intestinalis (Laurenti, 1768)](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calliophis&species=intestinalis)

## How does the banded Malaysian coral snake behave?

The banded Malaysian coral snake lives on the ground and lays eggs. When threatened, it flips over to show its boldly black-and-white banded belly. WHO notes that the harmless Cylindrophis ruffus may mimic Calliophis coral snakes with its colouring and tail-raising display.

In Calliophis coral snakes, the venom glands are not confined to the head. The genus diagnosis cited by The Reptile Database describes venom glands that extend far back into the body cavity and end in a long, club-shaped tip.

Evidence: [The Reptile Database — Calliophis intestinalis (Laurenti, 1768)](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calliophis&species=intestinalis) · [Ecology Asia — Banded Malayan Coral Snake, Calliophis intestinalis](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/banded_malayan_coral_snake.htm) · [WHO South-East Asia Regional Office — Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd edition (PDF)](https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/searo/india/health-topic-pdf/who-guidance-on-management-of-snakebites.pdf)

## Is the banded Malaysian coral snake venomous and dangerous?

Yes, the banded Malaysian coral snake is venomous, and a bite needs prompt medical attention. Tan and colleagues (2019) found its venom is mostly phospholipase A2 (43.4 per cent) and three-finger toxins (20.1 per cent), mainly cytotoxins. In laboratory tests it damaged muscle, and another study found it weakened nerve-to-muscle signalling.

Tan and colleagues note that Asian coral snake bites are rarely fatal. Ten years of records from Thailand's Ramathibodi Poison Center included seven bites by C. i. lineata; these patients more often had pain and a fast heart rate and stayed longer in hospital than other coral snake patients. If bitten, seek medical care at a health facility immediately.

Evidence: [Journal of Proteomics (PubMed) — Tan et al. (2019), Unlocking the secrets of banded coral snake (Calliophis intestinalis, Malaysia): a venom with proteome novelty, low toxicity and distinct antigenicity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30243938/) · [Neurotoxicity Research (PubMed) — Dashevsky et al. (2022), Novel neurotoxic activity in Calliophis intestinalis venom](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34757506/) · [Toxins (PMC) — Tansuwannarat et al. (2026), Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Asian coral snake bites in Thailand: a retrospective cohort study](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13119934/)

## What should you do if you meet a banded Malaysian coral snake?

If you meet a banded Malaysian coral snake, keep your distance and do not approach, catch, handle or kill it. Let it move away, or ask trained officers such as Damkar, the fire and rescue service, for help. In Greater Jakarta, fire departments in Bogor, Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi are among the groups that handle snake reports from homes.

Because this small snake lives on the ground, follow WHO's general prevention advice: wear closed shoes and long trousers in undergrowth or in the dark, use a torch at night, do not put your hands into holes or hidden places, and clear rubbish and undergrowth from around the house.

Evidence: [Media Konservasi (IPB) — Khoerunisa et al. (2022), Diversity of snake rescued from residential areas in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area, Indonesia](https://journal.ipb.ac.id/index.php/konservasi/article/view/34956) · [WHO South-East Asia Regional Office — Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd edition (PDF)](https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/searo/india/health-topic-pdf/who-guidance-on-management-of-snakebites.pdf)

## Common questions about the Banded Malaysian coral snake

### What is the scientific name of the Banded Malaysian coral snake?

The scientific name of the Banded Malaysian coral snake is *Calliophis intestinalis*, in the family Elapidae. In Indonesian it is called Ular cabai kecil.

### Where can the Banded Malaysian coral snake be found in Indonesia?

In Indonesia, this guide records the Banded Malaysian coral snake in: Sumatra, Java, Bali, Borneo (Kalimantan) and the Riau Islands.

Source-supported habitats: [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/), [Urban Habitats](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/urban/).

### What does the Banded Malaysian coral snake eat?

Diet of the Banded Malaysian coral snake: mainly other snakes, such as the Brahminy blind snake.

### What is the conservation status of the Banded Malaysian coral snake?

On the IUCN Red List, the Banded Malaysian coral snake is listed as Least Concern: it does not currently qualify for a threatened category in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9050371), checked 25 September 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Banded Malaysian coral snake is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/glossary/#satwa-dilindungi) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [The Reptile Database — Calliophis intestinalis (Laurenti, 1768)](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calliophis&species=intestinalis)
2. [Ecology Asia — Banded Malayan Coral Snake, Calliophis intestinalis](https://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/banded_malayan_coral_snake.htm)
3. [Zoological Science (PubMed) — Fukuyama et al. (2020), Systematics of Calliophis intestinalis with the resurrection of Calliophis nigrotaeniatus](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33269875/)
4. [Journal of Proteomics (PubMed) — Tan et al. (2019), Unlocking the secrets of banded coral snake (Calliophis intestinalis, Malaysia): a venom with proteome novelty, low toxicity and distinct antigenicity](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30243938/)
5. [Neurotoxicity Research (PubMed) — Dashevsky et al. (2022), Novel neurotoxic activity in Calliophis intestinalis venom](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34757506/)
6. [Toxins (PMC) — Tansuwannarat et al. (2026), Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Asian coral snake bites in Thailand: a retrospective cohort study](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13119934/)
7. [Media Konservasi (IPB) — Khoerunisa et al. (2022), Diversity of snake rescued from residential areas in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area, Indonesia](https://journal.ipb.ac.id/index.php/konservasi/article/view/34956)
8. [WHO South-East Asia Regional Office — Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd edition (PDF)](https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/searo/india/health-topic-pdf/who-guidance-on-management-of-snakebites.pdf)

## Keep exploring

- [Banded krait](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/banded-krait/)
- [Crocodile monitor](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/crocodile-monitor/)
- [False gharial](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/false-gharial/)
- [Asian House Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemidactylus-frenatus/)
- [Tropical Rainforests](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/tropical-rainforest/)
- [Urban Habitats](https://panduanhewan.org/en/habitats/urban/)

---

Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Banded Malaysian coral snake. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/banded-malaysian-coral-snake/