# 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. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Near water sources like rivers and lakes - **Also known as:** Chinese Krait, Taiwan Krait ![Banded Krait](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771425930/objects/5700.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Reptilia - **Order:** Squamata - **Family:** Elapidae - **Genus:** Bungarus ## 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 - **Venomous Strike:** Banded Krait can deliver powerful venom because of specialized fangs that inject neurotoxins and myotoxins to subdue prey. - **Ophiophagous Predator:** Banded Krait has a special diet, mainly preying on other snakes, helping to control local reptile populations. - **Night Vision:** Banded Krait can hunt effectively after dark because it is most active at night, allowing it to ambush sleeping prey. - **Stripey Camo:** 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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Piscivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/piscivorous): Piscivorous organisms are animals that primarily subsist on a diet of fish. - [Wetland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/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. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Banded Krait? Compare the full body pattern, build, head markings and tail. Color can shift with age and lighting. Rules of thumb about triangular heads or round pupils aren't a reliable way to tell whether a snake is venomous. Snake Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Banded Krait? 100-210 cm ### How much does Banded Krait weigh? 1-3 kg ### How long does Banded Krait live? 10-15 years ### How fast can Banded Krait move? 8 km/h ### What does Banded Krait eat? This snake is a specialist, mostly hunting and eating other snakes for its meals! ### Where is Banded Krait usually found? Near water sources like rivers and lakes ### How does Banded Krait hunt? Ambush ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Banded Krait: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/banded-krait)