Common Krait
Bungarus caeruleus
A nocturnal elapid of South Asia, glossy blue-black with faint white crossbands.
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.5 m (3-5 ft)
- Range
- Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal)
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Overview
The common krait is an elapid of the Indian subcontinent, belonging to a group of nocturnal elapids. It is considered one of the 'big four' snakes of India.
The common krait is nocturnal and often found in and around human dwellings.
How to identify it
- Smooth, glossy body, typically blue-black to blackish-brown
- Thin, paired white or pale crossbands, often faint toward the head
- Enlarged vertebral row of scales forming a low ridge along the spine
- Small, flattened head not clearly distinct from the neck
- Round pupils
The hexagonal, enlarged vertebral scales and faint paired banding help distinguish it from other similarly colored nocturnal snakes.
Habitat & range
Inhabits a wide variety of lowland habitats including agricultural fields, scrubland, forest edge, and areas near human habitation. It is especially known for entering homes in search of shelter and prey.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Strictly nocturnal, becoming sluggish and inoffensive during the day when it hides in burrows, termite mounds, or under debris. At night it actively forages for prey, including other snakes, small mammals, and lizards. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying clutches of roughly 8-15 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
How big does the common krait get?
Adults typically range from 0.9 to 1.5 m (3-5 ft).
Where is the common krait found?
It is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
Common Krait guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Common Krait.
Common Krait identified by the community
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