How to Identify the Banded Krait (Identification Guide)

Key identifying features

The Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) is one of the largest krait species and is immediately recognizable by its bold, wide alternating bands of black (or dark brown) and yellow that encircle the entire body from neck to tail. Unlike some other banded snakes, these bands are broad, evenly spaced, and complete rings rather than faint or partial markings. A distinct raised vertebral ridge running along the spine gives the body a triangular, almost box-like cross-section, which is a hallmark feature of this species.

Coloration & pattern

The bands are typically deep black or dark brown alternating with bright yellow or pale cream, and they remain bold and well-defined along the entire length of the body, including near the head and tail, distinguishing it from species whose banding is patchy or fades toward the head. The tail tip is often black, and the last band before the tail is usually enlarged.

Head, eyes & scales

The head is small and only slightly distinct from the neck, with small eyes and round pupils. Scales are smooth, and the single row of enlarged vertebral scales down the spine is especially pronounced in this species, contributing to the angular body shape. The underside is pale yellow or cream, unmarked or lightly marked.

Size & body shape

This is a large, heavy-bodied krait, commonly reaching 1.5 to 1.8 meters and occasionally over 2 meters. The body is notably triangular in cross-section due to the raised vertebral ridge and flattened sides, a shape distinct from the more rounded bodies of many other snakes, including the Common Krait.

Range & habitat where you'll see it

The Banded Krait ranges across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and parts of southern China and Indonesia. It favors lowland forests, agricultural areas, and locations near water such as rice paddies, marshes, and riverbanks. It is primarily nocturnal and terrestrial, though it swims well.

How to tell it apart from look-alikes

The Banded Krait's bold, complete, evenly spaced black-and-yellow banding and pronounced triangular body shape distinguish it clearly from the Common Krait, which has thinner, less complete white bands on a black background and a rounder body. It can superficially resemble certain harmless banded snakes, but the combination of extremely broad rings, the raised vertebral keel, and its much larger size set it apart. Some sea snakes show similar banding but have paddle-shaped tails adapted for swimming, which the Banded Krait lacks, retaining a normal tapering terrestrial tail.