Appendix E

DESCRIPTIONS OF VENOMOUS SNAKES

Krait

Krait
Bungarus caeruleus

Description: Black or bluish-black with white narrow crossbands and a narrow head.

Characteristics: Kraits are found only in Asia. This snake is of special concern to man. It is deadly—about 15 times more deadly than the common cobra. It is active at night and relatively passive during the day. The native people often step on kraits while walking through their habitats. The krait has a tendency to seek shelter in sleeping bags, boots, and tents. Its venom is a powerful neurotoxin that causes respiratory failure.

Habitat: Open fields, human settlements, and dense jungle.

Length: Average 90 centimeters (35 inches), maximum 1.5 meters (5 feet).

Distribution: Much of south and southeast Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan (Figure E-32).

Figure E-32. Krait Habitat