How to Identify the Burmese Krait (Identification Guide)
A field guide to recognizing the Burmese Krait by its bold black-and-white banding, smooth glossy scales, and distribution across Myanmar and neighboring countries.
Read the full Burmese Krait encyclopedia entry →Key identifying features
The Burmese Krait is a medium-sized elapid with the characteristic krait body: smooth, glossy, cylindrical, and marked by a raised row of enlarged vertebral scales along the spine. It shows bold black-and-white banding along much of the body, making it one of the more visually distinctive kraits in its range.
Coloration & pattern
The dorsal ground color is glossy black, crossed by well-defined white or pale yellowish bands that typically encircle the body as complete rings, though they may narrow or become less distinct toward the head. The banding pattern is often crisper on the posterior body and tail than near the neck. The belly is plain white or pale cream.
Head, eyes & scales
The head is small, rounded, and only slightly wider than the neck, colored solid black or dark with little to no patterning. The eyes are small with round pupils. Smooth, glossy dorsal scales and the signature enlarged hexagonal vertebral scale row help confirm krait identity when banding alone is ambiguous.
Size & body shape
Adults commonly reach 90 centimeters to over 1.2 meters, with a slender, evenly rounded body tapering to a short tail. The body is not flattened or triangular in cross section, distinguishing it readily from vipers.
Range & habitat where you'll see it
The Burmese Krait occurs across Myanmar and into adjacent parts of mainland Southeast Asia and northeastern India, inhabiting lowland forests, agricultural land, and areas near villages and water bodies. It is nocturnal and terrestrial, frequently found near human settlements after dark.
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
Its crisp black-and-white ringing resembles the Common Krait, but subtle differences in band width and scale counts separate the two, generally requiring close inspection. It differs from banded wolf snakes by its enlarged vertebral scale ridge and glossier finish, and it lacks the hood of cobras and the triangular head of vipers.
Frequently asked questions
What colors distinguish the Burmese Krait?
A glossy black body crossed by well-defined white or pale yellowish rings, generally clearer toward the tail than near the head.
How can I confirm a snake is a krait rather than a banded colubrid?
Check for a raised row of enlarged hexagonal scales down the center of the back, a trait unique to true kraits.
Where does the Burmese Krait live?
It is found across Myanmar and neighboring parts of Southeast Asia and northeastern India, in lowland forest, farmland, and near villages.
Is the Burmese Krait active during the day?
No, it is primarily nocturnal and terrestrial, most often seen on the ground after dark.
Does it have a hood like a cobra?
No, kraits do not form hoods; the head remains narrow and rounded at all times.