Banded Krait

Bungarus fasciatus

The Banded Krait is a beautiful black and yellow snake that can be found near water. It is shy and prefers to stay hidden.

Habitat: Near water sources like rivers and lakes

Appearance

The Banded Krait has a distinctive pattern of broad, alternating black and bright yellow or creamy-white bands along its entire body. Its head is broad and blunt, often with a V-shaped mark, and it has small, black eyes.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassReptiliaOrderSquamataFamilyElapidaeGenusBungarus

Banded Krait

Interesting facts

Its venom affects the nervous system, making it incredibly dangerous to its prey!

This krait has a triangular body shape with a noticeable ridge along its back, making it unique!

Unlike some snakes, it doesn't usually bite unless seriously provoked, preferring to hide its head!

Young kraits hatch from eggs looking just like smaller versions of their colorful parents!

Special abilities

Banded Krait can deliver powerful venom because of specialized fangs that inject neurotoxins and myotoxins to subdue prey.

Banded Krait has a special diet, mainly preying on other snakes, helping to control local reptile populations.

Banded Krait can hunt effectively after dark because it is most active at night, allowing it to ambush sleeping prey.

Banded Krait has bold black and yellow bands that help it blend into grassy terrain and dappled light when resting.

Measurements & details

Length: 100-210 cm
Weight: 1-3 kg
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Top Speed: 8 km/h
Clutch Size: 4-14
Incubation: 60-70 days

Diet & Feeding

This snake is a specialist, mostly hunting and eating other snakes for its meals!

Primary Foods

Other snakes
Lizards
Frogs
Small mammals
Fish

Foraging Method

Ambush

Ecological connections

hunts

Oriental ratsnake

Ptyas mucosus

A common food source in its natural habitat.

hunts

Indian cobra

Naja naja

Preys on other venomous snakes, a unique dietary preference.

eats

Tytler's paddy frog

Hylarana tytleri

Supplements its diet with amphibians when available.

Traits

Wildlife

Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.

Camouflaged

Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.

Piscivorous

Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.