Red River Krait
Bungarus slowinskii
A recently described krait from the Red River basin of northern Vietnam and southern China, banded black and white and dangerously venomous.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.3 m (3-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Northern Vietnam and southern China (Red River region)
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Overview
The Red River Krait was formally described in the early 2000s from specimens collected in the Red River delta and basin region of northern Vietnam, and it also occurs in adjacent parts of southern China. It is named in honor of herpetologist Joseph Slowinski, who died from a krait bite while conducting fieldwork in Myanmar.
As with other kraits, it is a nocturnal, potently venomous snake that is best identified by its distinctive banding and enlarged vertebral scale row.
How to identify it
- Black to dark brown body crossed by narrow white or cream bands
- Smooth scales with a noticeably enlarged, hexagonal vertebral scale row along the spine
- Triangular body cross-section typical of the krait genus
- Head barely distinct from the neck, with round pupils
- Distinguished from other regional kraits by range and subtle scale count differences
Habitat & range
Inhabits lowland areas, rice paddies, and river floodplains within the Red River basin of northern Vietnam and neighboring parts of southern China.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal, hunting primarily other snakes and small vertebrates after dark, while remaining hidden by day in burrows or dense vegetation. Lays eggs. Its neurotoxic venom is potentially dangerous, though it is rarely encountered due to limited range and secretive habits.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Red River Krait venomous?
Yes, it produces potent neurotoxic venom typical of the krait genus.
How did it get its scientific name?
It is named after herpetologist Joseph Slowinski, who died from a krait bite while conducting research.
Where is it found?
The Red River basin of northern Vietnam and adjacent southern China.
What does it eat?
Mainly other snakes and small vertebrates.
Red River Krait guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Red River Krait.
