Binomial name: Bungarus fasciatus
Common name: Banded Krait
Scientific classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Bungarus |
| Species: | B. fasciatus |
Type: VENOMOUS
Distinguishing Features: Medium to large sized; smooth, shiny scales; wide vibrant yellow and black bands on the back.
Average Length: 1.5 m; At Birth: 25-30 cm; Maximum: 2.25 m.
Description: This snake is large, conspicuous yellow and black banded with prominent backbone, blunt tail and a rounded head, which is slightly distinct from the body. These bands are quite faded on their underside.
Distribution: Banded Kraits are reported in
Habitat: They find shelter in termite mounds and rodents holes close to water. They often live near villages because of their supply of rodents and water. Generally open plains are preferred by them.
Habits: Like other Kraits, this snake also ventures out only at night. This snake species are coy and soft tempered. Snake dealers handle them with little caution, but at the same time mention that they are lively at night. Not much is known about this beautiful snake, just like the other nocturnal Indian snakes.
Young: Generally females lay up to 12 eggs during the month of April. It takes around 60 days to hatch the eggs.
Food: The feeding habits of Banded Kraits are similar to that of Common Kraits. In fact, they also eat Common Kraits. Water-snakes and young rats are also eaten by them, in confinement. Banded Kraits kill their prey by suffocating them by means of their jaws. They also envenomate the prey and within 10-20 minutes it becomes moribund.
Status: Although being fairly common in
Venom: Banded Kraits produce highly toxic venom, but they hardly bite and no deaths have been reported in
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