The Malayan Krait (Bungarus candidus), also known as the Blue Krait, is a strikingly banded snake with alternating black and white bands along its smooth, glossy body. Adults typically reach lengths of 1 to 1.5 meters. It is a nocturnal and secretive species, often found in forests, agricultural areas, and near human settlements throughout Southeast Asia. During the day, it hides under logs, stones, or debris, emerging at night to hunt other snakes, frogs, and small vertebrates.
Malayan Krait
Bungarus candidus
☠️ Highly venomous
Description
Venomous?
Yes. The Malayan Krait possesses a potent neurotoxic venom that affects the nervous system. Bites can be fatal without prompt medical treatment, as the venom can cause paralysis and respiratory failure.
A Danger to Humans?
The species is generally shy and non-aggressive, preferring to flee or remain still when disturbed. However, it is considered very dangerous due to its highly potent venom. Most bites occur at night when people accidentally step on or handle the snake.
Population Size
Stable
Life Span
-
WEIGHT
30.5 g
LENGTH
Average length approximately 1 m ; maximum 1.6 m
Ca
Carnivore
No
Nocturnal
Te
Terrestrial
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Chordata
CLASS
:
Reptilia
ORDER
:
Squamata
FAMILY
:
Elapidae
GENUS
:
Bungarus
SPECIES
:
Bungarus candidus
Distribution
On Bali inhabits monsoon forest, savannah, and agricultural land with high rainfall, near sea level. Elsewhere known from various forests and agricultural lands up to 1500 m asl.
Geography
Continents : Asia, Southeast Asia
Country : Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Java and Bali.
Habits and Lifestyle
The Malayan Krait is a nocturnal species and roam above the ground, but during the day, it hides and rests in termite mounds and rodent holes, under and between rocks, or under piles of coir and coconut leaves.
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
Biome
Tropical Forest
Climate Zone
Tropical
Diet and Nutrition
Its main food is other types of snakes that are smaller than it. Apart from small snakes, welings also prey on lizards, mice, and several other small animals. If it feels disturbed or threatened, this snake will hide its head under the roll of its body.
Diet : Carnivora
Mating Habits
The Malayan Krait reproduce by laying eggs (ovipar). The number of eggs produced is 4 to 10 eggs. Each newly hatched baby snake is between 27 and 29 cm long
Reproduction session :
Incubation periods : –
Independent age : at birth
Baby name : –
Baby carrying : 4 – 10 eggs
Population
Population status : Least Concern (LC)
NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Population threats
This species may be threatened for medicinal and food purposes, especially in Indochina. The scale of exploitation in other countries needs to be studied further.
Population number
The species is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, due to its wide distribution. The species is heavily trafficked for food, traditional medicine and possibly skin in some parts of its range, but it is currently unclear whether this has an impact on global population, and national trade controls are in Vietnam.
PHOTO GALLERY
Reference
- Wogan, G., Vogel, G., Grismer, L., Chan-Ard, T. & Nguyen, T.Q. 2012. Bungarus candidus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T192238A2059709
- Bungarus candidus Wikipedia article
- Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.
- McKay, J.L. 2006. Reptil and Amphibi di Bali. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA.