Malayan Krait
Bungarus candidus
A slender, black-and-white banded krait of Southeast Asia, closely resembling the many-banded krait and regarded as one of the region's most medically significant snakes.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.0-1.6 m (3.3-5.2 ft)
- Range
- Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos)
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Overview
The Malayan krait is a highly venomous elapid distributed widely across Southeast Asia. It is closely related to and often confused with the many-banded krait, and it is likewise considered a medically important species due to its potent venom.
Despite its danger, it is nocturnal and generally reluctant to bite during the day, with most documented bites occurring after accidental nighttime contact.
How to identify it
- Slender body with a low vertebral ridge
- Alternating black and white (or cream) bands along the body, often less crisp than in the many-banded krait
- Small black head with little pattern
- Round pupils
- Tail proportionally shorter than body length
It closely resembles the many-banded krait, and range along with subtle scale differences are often needed to distinguish the two species reliably.
Habitat & range
Found in lowland forest, agricultural land, and areas near human habitation across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. Often encountered near rice fields and villages.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and generally docile in daylight, hiding under debris, in burrows, or near water. At night it actively hunts, feeding mainly on other snakes and small vertebrates. Reproduction is oviparous, with clutches of roughly 4-12 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Malayan krait venomous?
Yes, it is highly venomous and considered medically significant in Southeast Asia.
How big does the Malayan krait get?
Adults typically reach 1.0-1.6 m (3.3-5.2 ft).
Where is the Malayan krait found?
It occurs across Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
How is the Malayan krait different from the many-banded krait?
The two species look very similar; they are typically distinguished by range and subtle scale characteristics.
Malayan Krait guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Malayan Krait.
