Banded krait

The banded krait is a striking snake native to the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia, easily identified by its distinctive black and yellow bands. This large elapid species can grow up to 2.1 meters in length. It features a unique triangular body, a pronounced vertebral ridge, and a broad, flat head marked with black eyes and yellow patterns.

The banded krait is found across diverse regions, including the Indo-Chinese subregion, the Malay Peninsula, the Indonesian archipelago, and parts of southern China. In India, it is commonly seen in states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and Tripura. These snakes inhabit a range of environments, from forests to agricultural lands, and are often found near human settlements, drawn by the abundance of rodents and water sources.

Banded kraits are nocturnal and typically shy. When threatened, they usually hide their heads. Their diet is primarily composed of other snakes, but they also consume fish, frogs, and snake eggs. Although their breeding behavior is not well-documented, it is known that they lay eggs.

The venom of the banded krait is potent, containing neurotoxins that can induce severe symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal pain, and respiratory failure. Despite the potency of their venom, human encounters are rare, resulting in a low incidence of envenomation. However, antivenoms are available in regions where these snakes are prevalent.

The banded krait is known by various names in different languages and regions, underscoring its widespread presence and cultural significance.