K
Species Profile

Krait

Bungarus

Silent stripes, serious venom.
Oksana Golubeva/Shutterstock.com

Krait Distribution

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Found in 16 countries

Sea Snake in Coral, krait

At a Glance

Genus Overview This page covers the Krait genus as a group. Stats below are general traits shared across the genus.
Diet Carnivore
Activity Nocturnal+
Lifespan 12 years
Weight 3 lbs
Status Not Evaluated
Did You Know?

The genus Bungarus spans South to Southeast Asia and into parts of East Asia, with different species adapted to forests, farms, and even village edges.

Scientific Classification

Genus Overview "Krait" is not a single species but represents an entire genus containing multiple species.

Kraits are venomous elapid snakes best represented by the Asian genus Bungarus. They are generally nocturnal, often secretive, and possess highly potent neurotoxic venom. Several species are of major medical importance across South and Southeast Asia.

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Reptilia
Order
Squamata
Family
Elapidae
Genus
Bungarus

Distinguishing Features

  • Elapid snakes with fixed front fangs and predominantly neurotoxic venom
  • Often glossy appearance with distinct banding in many species (e.g., black-and-white or yellow-and-black bands)
  • Typically nocturnal and may be encountered around settlements at night
  • Diet often includes other snakes and elongate prey (also lizards/rodents depending on species)

Physical Measurements

Males and females differ in size

Length
♂ 3 ft 11 in (1 ft 12 in – 6 ft 11 in)
♀ 3 ft 11 in (1 ft 8 in – 7 ft 7 in)
Weight
♂ 2 lbs (0 lbs – 8 lbs)
♀ 2 lbs (0 lbs – 8 lbs)
Tail Length
♂ 49 ft 3 in (22 ft 12 in – 114 ft 10 in)
♀ 6 in (2 in – 1 ft 2 in)
Top Speed
2 mph
slithering
Venomous

Appearance

Primary Colors
Black Blue Brown Cream Yellow
Secondary Colors
White Cream Yellow Striped Black
Skin Type Smooth, glossy, closely overlapping scales (often with enlarged vertebral row); firm, cylindrical-to-triangular body cross-section and a blunt, not-very-distinct head.
Distinctive Features
  • Adult total length across the genus commonly ~0.6-2.2 m; exceptional individuals in largest species may approach ~2.5 m.
  • Lifespan reported across Bungarus is variable; roughly ~8-20 years depending on species and wild vs. captivity.
  • Typically nocturnal and secretive; many shelter in burrows, termite mounds, debris, or human structures-some species are more synanthropic than others.
  • Behavioral/ecological variation: mostly terrestrial, but several species frequent wet habitats or forage near water; activity may shift to crepuscular in cooler seasons.
  • Diet commonly includes other snakes (ophiophagy) and also lizards, amphibians, and small mammals; prey preferences differ substantially among species and localities.
  • Medically significant neurotoxic envenomation is typical for the genus; defensive behavior often includes concealment and minimal display, but risk rises with nighttime human contact.
  • High-gloss dorsum with a pronounced vertebral ridge is common, giving a sharply defined back profile.
  • Short tail relative to body length; head small with neck only slightly narrower than body.
  • Banding may be complete rings, broken saddles, or absent; juveniles may show sharper contrast than adults.

Sexual Dimorphism

Sexual dimorphism is generally subtle across Bungarus. Females are often slightly larger or heavier-bodied, while males typically have proportionally longer tails and may show minor differences in scale counts; these patterns vary by species.

♂
  • Proportionally longer tail and longer subcaudal region on average.
  • Occasional hemipenial bulge near tail base in mature individuals.
  • Slightly more slender overall build in some species/populations.
♀
  • Often slightly greater total length or girth in many species.
  • Shorter tail relative to body length on average.
  • Body may appear more robust when gravid; oviparous egg-carrying females visibly distend.

Did You Know?

The genus Bungarus spans South to Southeast Asia and into parts of East Asia, with different species adapted to forests, farms, and even village edges.

Across the genus, adults range roughly ~0.8-2.1 m depending on species.

Many kraits specialize in eating other snakes (ophiophagy), including venomous species-one reason they can be important predators in their ecosystems.

Krait venoms are famous in neuroscience: "bungarotoxins" (named from Bungarus) became key tools for studying nerve-muscle signaling.

Kraits are typically most active at night; during the day they often hide in rodent burrows, termite mounds, leaf litter, or debris.

Several Bungarus species (e.g., across the Indian subcontinent and mainland Southeast Asia) are major causes of serious neurotoxic envenomation in humans.

Despite their danger, kraits are usually non-aggressive when undisturbed; many bites occur when people accidentally touch or roll onto them at night.

Unique Adaptations

  • Exceptionally potent neurotoxic venom: Many Bungarus venoms contain powerful neurotoxins that can cause progressive paralysis; medically, this makes rapid assessment and antivenom/ventilatory support critical where bites occur.
  • Venom composition diversity: Different Bungarus species (and populations) can vary in venom makeup and clinical effects, which matters for antivenom effectiveness and treatment outcomes.
  • Smooth, glossy scales and strong body form: Many species have sleek scales and distinct banding (in several species) that may aid movement through tight cover and provide disruptive patterning in low light.
  • Efficient low-light predation toolkit: Like other snakes, kraits use chemosensory tracking (tongue-flicking/Jacobson's organ) and are well-suited to night hunting in cluttered habitats.
  • Cranial and fang system typical of elapids: Fixed front fangs efficiently deliver venom during short, fast strikes-well-matched to subduing other snakes and agile prey.
  • Behavioral "stealth" as an adaptation: Remaining motionless and hidden by day reduces detection by predators and humans; nocturnality reduces competition with many daytime hunters.

Interesting Behaviors

  • Nocturnal hunting: Most Bungarus are primarily active after dusk; a few may also move at twilight or during cool/rainy periods (variation by region and season).
  • Secretive sheltering: Many species spend daylight hours tightly coiled in concealed retreats; individuals may enter buildings or yards when following prey or seeking cool cover.
  • Ophiophagy common, but flexible diets: Snake-eating is widespread across the genus, yet some species also take lizards, frogs, small mammals, or fish/amphibians near water (diet varies by species and habitat).
  • Defensive strategy: Many kraits rely on remaining still or retreating; if pressed, they may coil, hide the head, or strike quickly-responses differ among species and individual temperament.
  • Reproduction: Kraits are egg-layers (oviparous). Clutch sizes and breeding seasons vary across species and climate zones; nesting is typically hidden and guarded behavior is not consistent across all species.
  • Human-bite pattern: Because many are nocturnal and can move through settlements, clinically important bites often occur at night or early morning, especially when snakes and people share floor-level sleeping areas in some regions.

Cultural Significance

Across South and Southeast Asia, kraits (genus Bungarus) are feared because some species cause deadly neurotoxic bites. They appear in safety advice (sleep off the floor, use nets, cut rodent hiding places) and in science via bungarotoxins used to study nerve-muscle signals.

Myths & Legends

In South Asia, Hindu and local folk honor snake gods, not just cobras. In areas with kraits (Bungarus), people often fear and respect these night-roaming snakes around homes.

Villagers in parts of the Indian subcontinent and mainland Southeast Asia believe 'night-biting' snakes slip into houses and bite sleeping people. These stories persist where kraits (Bungarus) are active at night and enter homes.

Serpent figures in Buddhist and Southeast Asian stories (protectors, water spirits, powerful snakes) are common across krait ranges. Though not about specific species, these stories shape how locals think about and talk about dangerous snakes.

The word krait came into English from South Asian languages like Hindi and Urdu. The snake genus Bungarus became famous when bungarotoxin was found and used in medicine, showing a feared animal can help science.

In parts of South and Southeast Asia, folk taboos and warning stories tell people not to sleep on the ground or leave clutter where kraits (Bungarus) and other night snakes may hide.

Conservation Status

NE Not Evaluated (genus-level). IUCN categories vary by species across Bungarus, commonly Least Concern or Data Deficient, with some localized/poorly known taxa potentially Near Threatened-Vulnerable. Range-wide generalizations: adults ~0.5-2.7 m total length; lifespan ~8-20+ years (higher in captivity). Mostly nocturnal, secretive, often associated with lowlands near human settlement; diets often snake- and lizard-heavy, but some species take rodents/amphibians-ecology varies notably by species and region.

Has not yet been evaluated against the criteria.

Population Unknown

Protected Under

  • Varies by country; some Bungarus species are covered under national wildlife-protection laws and anti-killing regulations.
  • Habitat protection is often indirect via protected areas (national parks/reserves) within the genus' South and Southeast Asian range; enforcement and coverage are uneven.

Looking for a specific species?

Common krait

Bungarus caeruleus

Often the default species meant by the common name "krait" in South Asian medical/public contexts and one of the most medically important Bungarus species.

  • A major cause of severe neurotoxic envenoming in parts of the Indian subcontinent.
  • Typically secretive and largely nocturnal; bites frequently occur at night when snakes enter houses or people sleep on floors.
  • Venom is predominantly neurotoxic, with rapid progression to paralysis without prompt ventilation/supportive care.
  • Shows notable geographic and individual variation in color/pattern, contributing to frequent misidentification with non-venomous lookalikes.

You might be looking for:

Common krait

32%

Bungarus caeruleus

Widespread South Asian krait; medically significant elapid with potent neurotoxic venom.

Banded krait

26%

Bungarus fasciatus

Large, boldly banded Southeast Asian krait; nocturnal elapid.

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Malayan krait

14%

Bungarus candidus

Southeast Asian krait complex; commonly implicated in bites in parts of its range.

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Many-banded krait

12%

Bungarus multicinctus

East Asian krait known for strong neurotoxic venom; common in Taiwan/China regions.

Banded sea krait

8%

Laticauda colubrina

A true sea krait (semi-marine elapid) sometimes loosely called a “krait,” but usually specified as “sea krait.”

Life Cycle

Birth 10 hatchlings
Lifespan 12 years

Lifespan

In the Wild
6–20 years
In Captivity
10–25 years

Reproduction

Mating System Polygynandry
Social Structure Solitary
Breeding Pattern Seasonal
Fertilization Internal Fertilization
Birth Type Internal_fertilization

Across Bungarus, adults are mostly solitary and come together briefly in the breeding season. Males likely track females via pheromones and may mate with multiple females; females may also mate multiply (including sperm storage). No parental care is typical.

Behavior & Ecology

Social No fixed group name Group: 1
Activity Nocturnal, Crepuscular
Diet Carnivore Other snakes
Seasonal Hibernates

Temperament

Secretive, shelter-oriented, and generally avoids confrontation across the genus
Typically calm when undisturbed, but defensive if restrained, stepped on, or provoked
Relies on crypsis and immobility; some species may flee while others hold ground
Bite risk increases during nighttime encounters in human dwellings; behavior varies by species and context

Communication

Hissing or exhalation sounds when threatened
Occasional body rub/scale rasping noises during defensive movement
Chemical communication via pheromones and scent trails Mate finding, possibly territorial spacing
Tactile cues during courtship and mating Body alignment, chin rubbing, cloacal contact
Visual/threat displays such as body coiling, head concealment, and posture changes
Vibration/substrate-borne cues from movement; may aid in predator deterrence

Habitat

Rainforest Forest Deciduous Forest Woodland Grassland Shrubland Wetland River/Stream Agricultural/Farmland Plantation Suburban Urban Coastal +7
Biomes:
Tropical Rainforest Tropical Dry Forest Savanna Temperate Forest Wetland Freshwater
Terrain:
Plains Valley Riverine Hilly Plateau Mountainous Coastal Island Rocky Muddy +4
Elevation: Up to 8202 ft 1 in

Ecological Role

Mid-to-upper trophic-level predator (often a specialized predator of other snakes) in South and Southeast Asian terrestrial and edge habitats; diet breadth and degree of snake-specialization vary across the genus.

Regulation of prey populations (notably other snakes, and locally rodents, lizards, and amphibians) Contribution to food-web stability and trophic structuring in agro-ecosystems and forest/grassland mosaics Energy transfer within ecosystems (linking small-vertebrate prey to higher predators that may prey on kraits, e.g., raptors and some mammalian carnivores)

Diet Details

Main Prey:
Snakes Lizards Small mammals Amphibians Fish and eel-like fishes Small birds, eggs, and nestlings

Human Interaction

Domestication Status

Wild

Kraits (genus Bungarus) are wild snakes and not domesticated. People do not breed them. Most in human hands are wild-caught for display, research, venom or illegal trade. They can bite people, are often killed, sometimes kept for shows, hit by cars, or collected for antivenom work.

Danger Level

Extreme
  • Highly potent neurotoxic envenomation can cause progressive paralysis and respiratory failure without rapid medical care/ventilatory support.
  • Many bites occur at night when people are sleeping on floors or walking barefoot indoors/outdoors; kraits can enter dwellings in some regions/species.
  • Bites may be minimally painful initially, which can delay treatment and increase severity.
  • Handling/capture (including attempted "snake rescue" without training) carries very high risk.
  • Antivenom availability and effectiveness can vary by region and by species; misidentification can complicate appropriate treatment.

As a Pet

Not Suitable as Pet

Legality: Kraits are usually not suitable as pets and are often illegal or need strict permits. Many countries in South and Southeast Asia ban private keeping; rules on collecting, moving, or exporting them vary and must be checked.

Care Level: Expert Only

Purchase Cost: Up to $2,000
Lifetime Cost: $5,000 - $50,000

Economic Value

Uses:
Public health/medical Biomedical research Education and zoological display Ecosystem services (predation on other vertebrates) Illegal wildlife trade (negative/regulated)
Products:
  • venom for research and diagnostic development
  • antivenom production inputs (venom supply to licensed programs)
  • educational programming (zoos/serpentariums)

Relationships

Predators 5

King Cobra
King Cobra Ophiophagus hannah
Crested serpent eagle Spilornis cheela
Mongoose
Mongoose Herpestes spp.
Monitor lizard
Monitor lizard Varanus spp.
Wild boar
Wild boar Sus scrofa

Related Species 5

Cobras
Cobras Naja Shared Family
King cobra
King cobra Ophiophagus hannah Shared Family
Sea kraits Laticauda Shared Family
Coral snakes
Coral snakes Micrurus Shared Family
Mambas
Mambas Dendroaspis Shared Family

Ecological Equivalents 5

Animals that fill a similar ecological role in their ecosystem

Sea krait
Sea krait Laticauda colubrina Elapid with strongly neurotoxic venom and a largely crepuscular/nocturnal foraging tendency. Overlaps in prey theme (elongate vertebrates such as eels and fish) but differs by being semi-marine while Bungarus are terrestrial.
King cobra
King cobra Ophiophagus hannah Snake-specialist predator (ophiophagy) like many kraits. Shares the trophic role as a high-level snake-eater but differs by being generally larger and more diurnal.
Wolf snakes
Wolf snakes Lycodon spp. Nocturnal and secretive; often found around human habitations and frequently confused with kraits because of banding. They occupy a similar night‑hunting niche but are non-venomous colubrids.
Banded racer Ptyas spp. Shares habitats (fields, villages, forest edges) and is a common prey/competitor in many regions; overlaps in rodent- and amphibian-rich environments, though it is typically diurnal and non-venomous.
Cat snakes
Cat snakes Boiga spp. Arboreal to semi-arboreal nocturnal hunters in Asia that prey on lizards, birds, and small mammals; they overlap in nighttime predation but usually occupy more arboreal microhabitats and have different venom types and effects.

Types of Krait

15

Explore 15 recognized types of krait

Andaman krait Bungarus andamanensis
Himalayan krait Bungarus bungaroides
Common krait Bungarus caeruleus
Malayan krait
Malayan krait Bungarus candidus
Ceylon krait Bungarus ceylonicus
Banded krait
Banded krait Bungarus fasciatus
Red-headed krait Bungarus flaviceps
Lao krait / large-spotted krait Bungarus magnimaculatus
Many-banded krait Bungarus multicinctus
Greater black krait Bungarus niger
Sind krait Bungarus sindanus
Slowinski's krait Bungarus slowinskii
Suzhen's krait Bungarus suzhenae
Wall's krait Bungarus walli
Romulus' krait Bungarus romulusi
Kraits are a group of highly venomous snakes known for their distinctive banding patterns, typically found in tropical regions of Asia and recognized for their potentially lethal bites.
Kraits are a group of highly venomous snakes known for their distinctive banding patterns, typically found in tropical regions of Asia and recognized for their potentially lethal bites.

A painless bite that can result in death.

Unlike the bite from many venomous snakes, the bite from a krait is relatively painless. That doesn’t mean it isn’t doing damage. The highly dangerous snake will inject venom that results in paralysis over a period of hours. Without prompt medical treatment, death by suffocation is a common result.

There are 16 species of kraits, including the banded, Indian, Malayan, and Burmese. The Indian, or common, krait is endemic to India and the surrounding region.

Yellow-lipped and other sea kraits are not in the same genus as the land-dwelling kraits. When on land, the yellow-lipped and other sea kraits are extremely docile, to the point where children often play with them. They are less docile in the water, although they still prefer to avoid confrontation whenever possible.

The pronunciation of krait uses a long I sound and rhymes with kite.

Krait Amazing Facts

A human handling a banded krait

Banded kraits are named for their alternating bands of gold and black.

©jeep2499/Shutterstock.com

  • The common krait is one of the Big Four Snakes, responsible for the majority of medically significant cases of snake bites in humans in the Indian subcontinent. The other three are the Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, and Indian saw-scaled viper.
  • The initial bite of the common krait is often painless.
  • Of all the snakebite deaths in Bangladesh, over 50 percent are from the common krait.
  • Humans often encounter kraits during the rainy season, when they enter homes to find dry ground.

Where to Find Them

Kraits are found on the Indian subcontinent. They make their homes in both farmlands and forests.

Evolution and Origins

Kraits can be found across tropical Asia, spanning from regions close to Iran, throughout the Indian subcontinent (including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh), and extending to Southeast Asia (including Indonesia and Borneo).

While banded sea kraits primarily reside on land, they possess remarkable adaptations for hunting in coral reef environments, such as their ability to hold their breath for extended periods and a paddle-shaped tail that enhances their swimming capabilities.

The Bengal krait, scientifically known as Bungarus caeruleus, is a venomous elapid snake species belonging to the Bungarus genus.

It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is recognized as one of the “Big Four” snake species responsible for the majority of snakebite incidents in Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh.

Scientific Name

The scientific name for the common krait is Bungarus caeruleus. It is one of 16 species in the Bungarus genus. The pronunciation is krite. Sea kraits are not close relatives, belonging to the genus Laticauda.

Here are the different types:

  • Banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus)
  • Common krait (Bungarus caeruleus)
  • Blue krait (Bungarus candidus)
  • Many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus)
  • Northeastern Hill Krait (Bungarus bungaroides)
  • Montane Ceylon Krait (Bungarus ceylonicus)
  • Red-headed krait (Bungarus flaviceps)
  • Suzhen’s krait (Bungarus suzhenae)
  • Persian krait (Bungarus persicus)
  • Sind krait (Bungarus sindanus)
  • Greater black krait (Bungarus niger)
  • Red River krait (Bungarus slowinskii)
  • Lesser black krait (Bungarus lividus)
  • Burmese krait (Bungarus magnimaculatus)
  • South Andaman Krait (Bungarus andamanensis)

Population and Conservation Status

Sea Snake in Coral, krait

Krait is less docile in water than on land, though they will still avoid confrontation.

©Oksana Golubeva/Shutterstock.com

The common krait is endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Its numbers have not been researched and its status has not been evaluated by IUCN. Of the other species of kraits, the Red River krait is considered vulnerable.

How to Identify Them: Appearance and Description

The common krait can be identified by its glossy black body with white bands. Young snakes have wider bands, while the bands on mature kraits are narrow. Their underside is white. The head is slightly wider than the neck, and they have small dark eyes and a rounded snout.

Venom: How Dangerous are They?

Malayan Krait

The Malayan Krait has a pattern of dark-brown, black, or bluish-black crossbands.

©Nenad Preradovic/Shutterstock.com

Krait venom is incredibly damaging to the body. More potent than cobra venom, krait venom can lead to death within 8 hours. The actual bite from a krait isn’t necessarily painful and often leaves minimal if any, swelling. This can lead to complications if the individual who is bitten doesn’t realize the importance of seeking immediate medical care.

Behavior and Humans

Kraits are not generally aggressive, particularly during the day. However, they are nocturnal meaning they are much more active at night. Approaching or cornering one at this time increases the likelihood of a bite.

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Sources

  1. Science Direct / Accessed May 22, 2022
  2. Toxicology / Accessed May 22, 2022
  3. American Oceans / Accessed May 22, 2022
  4. iNaturalist / Accessed May 22, 2022
Rebecca Bales

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Rebecca Bales

Rebecca is an experienced Professional Freelancer with nearly a decade of expertise in writing SEO Content, Digital Illustrations, and Graphic Design. When not engrossed in her creative endeavors, Rebecca dedicates her time to cycling and filming her nature adventures. When not focused on her passion for creating and crafting optimized materials, she harbors a deep fascination and love for cats, jumping spiders, and pet rats.
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Krait FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Kraits are incredibly venomous. In fact, the common krait is responsible for many of the serious snake bites that occur in India and the surrounding areas of Southern Asia.

The venom is a neurotoxin, which causes muscle paralysis. The bite itself is often not painful, but immediate medical attention is important. Untreated, death typically occurs within 8 hours of the bite.

View Krait Photos