VENOMOUS
Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
Appearance:
The Common Krait is a highly distinctive snake with a sleek, shiny body that typically exhibits a deep black or bluish-black coloration. Its body is marked with narrow, thin white crossbands, which may be less visible in older individuals, as they tend to darken with age. The crossbands are more prominent on the anterior portion of the body. Kraits have smooth, glossy scales, giving them a polished appearance. The belly is generally white or pale, and the snake can reach lengths of up to 5 feet (1.5 meters), though most individuals average around 3 to 4 feet. Its head is slightly distinct from the neck and is small and rounded with dark eyes.
Behavior:
The Common Krait is a nocturnal species, meaning it is most active at night. By day, it tends to hide in dark, cool places such as under debris, inside crevices, or in burrows, making it less likely to be encountered during daylight hours. Although generally shy and elusive, it may enter homes in search of prey, particularly during the rainy season when its natural habitat may be flooded. The Krait’s bite is often painless, and the symptoms may not appear immediately, leading to delayed treatment. This snake is not typically aggressive and will try to avoid confrontation, but it is more likely to bite when disturbed during its active nighttime period.
Venom:
The venom of the Common Krait is primarily neurotoxic, which means it affects the nervous system. A bite from this snake can cause a range of severe symptoms, including paralysis. The venom inhibits communication between nerves and muscles, leading to respiratory failure if left untreated. The onset of symptoms can be delayed, which is one reason for the high fatality rate in cases of Krait envenomation. Victims may not realize they have been bitten, and by the time symptoms manifest, the effects can be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention and the administration of antivenom are crucial.
Distribution:
The Common Krait is widely distributed across the Indian subcontinent. Its range extends across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. It prefers habitats close to human settlements, agricultural fields, open forests, and areas with water sources such as ponds, streams, and rivers. In rural areas, the Krait may be found inside homes or barns, particularly during the monsoon season.
Diet:
This snake is a carnivorous predator, primarily feeding on other snakes, including non-venomous and venomous species. It also consumes small mammals like rodents, as well as lizards, frogs, and even small birds when available. The Common Krait’s ability to prey on other snakes makes it a significant player in maintaining the balance within its ecosystem.
Notable Features:
- One of India’s deadliest snakes: The Common Krait is considered one of the “Big Four” venomous snakes responsible for the majority of snakebite-related fatalities in India. The painless nature of its bite and delayed symptoms often lead to late medical intervention, contributing to its lethal reputation.
- Powerful neurotoxic venom: Its venom is extremely potent and can cause complete paralysis if left untreated.
- Painless bite: The bite of a Krait is often painless, which can mislead victims into thinking they haven’t been bitten.
- Shy and non-aggressive: Despite its deadly nature, the Krait is shy and reclusive, often choosing flight over fight unless provoked.
Conservation Status:
The Common Krait is not currently listed as endangered, but habitat destruction and human encroachment pose threats to its population. Owing to its wide distribution and secretive behavior, it remains relatively common in many parts of its range.
Precautions:
If you are in an area known to be home to Common Kraits, it’s important to exercise caution, particularly at night. Use of bed nets and securing homes from snake entry can help reduce the risk of encounters. In case of a suspected bite, even if painless, immediate medical attention is crucial.
Summary:
The Common Krait is a nocturnal, shy, yet highly venomous snake found across the Indian subcontinent. It has a distinctive black or bluish-black appearance with white crossbands and a smooth, glossy texture. Known for its powerful neurotoxic venom, which can lead to paralysis and death, it primarily preys on other snakes, rodents, and amphibians. Despite being non-aggressive, it remains one of the deadliest snakes due to the delayed onset of symptoms following its painless bite.
