Common Krait
Bungarus caeruleus
A highly venomous nocturnal elapid of South Asia, glossy blue-black with faint white crossbands, responsible for a significant number of snakebite cases in the region.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
- Range
- Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal)
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Overview
The common krait is one of the most medically significant venomous snakes of the Indian subcontinent, belonging to a group of elapids known for potent neurotoxic venom. It is considered one of the 'big four' snakes of medical importance in India due to the frequency of human encounters and the severity of its bite.
Despite its dangerous reputation, the common krait is generally docile during the day and tends to bite defensively at night when accidentally disturbed, often in and around human dwellings.
How to identify it
- Smooth, glossy body, typically blue-black to blackish-brown
- Thin, paired white or pale crossbands, often faint toward the head
- Enlarged vertebral row of scales forming a low ridge along the spine
- Small, flattened head not clearly distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
The hexagonal, enlarged vertebral scales and faint paired banding help distinguish it from other similarly colored nocturnal snakes.
Habitat & range
Inhabits a wide variety of lowland habitats including agricultural fields, scrubland, forest edge, and areas near human habitation. It is especially known for entering homes and sleeping areas in search of shelter and prey, contributing to its status as a medically important species.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Strictly nocturnal, becoming sluggish and inoffensive during the day when it hides in burrows, termite mounds, or under debris. At night it actively forages for prey, including other snakes, small mammals, and lizards. Bites in humans often occur at night when the snake is accidentally disturbed. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying clutches of roughly 8-15 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the common krait venomous?
Yes, it is highly venomous and considered one of the medically most significant snakes in South Asia.
How big does the common krait get?
Adults typically range from 0.9 to 1.5 m (3-5 ft).
Where is the common krait found?
It is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Why is the common krait considered medically significant?
It is nocturnal, often enters human dwellings, and possesses highly potent neurotoxic venom.
Common Krait guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Common Krait.
