Bungarus caeruleus (Schneider, 1801)

Common Krait is an infamous venomous snake capable for delivering neurotoxic bite during night time. This is one of the most common medically significant snake also the member of "Big Four" of India. Morphologically it is identified by glossy blue-black body with fine milky white bands. For precise identification sometimes it is necessary to check presence of Hexagonal scales along vertebra and prominence of bands on tail side while absence of neck region.

Mating season begins with summer and female lays eggs in mound, holes, dense & dry leaf litters etc. in very secretive manner. Hatching occurs during start of monsoon mostly. Male combat also observed in this species during post winter and summer months.

New born - 25-27cm.
Average length- 90-120cm.
Maximum length- 165cm.

Common Krait is exclusively a nocturnal species and shows activity from late evening to early morning. Activity usually terrestrial but climbs well on rough surfaces in search of prey and hide. Behavior shy and usually non-offensive. At day time it become quite docile and less resisting while at night it becomes aggressive, sharp and alert for foraging. In defensive response it makes call like coil of body and try to hide its head under it. Flattens its most of the body on ground in aggression and can bite on further disturbance. 

Feeds majorly on other snakes and rodents. Also feeds on frogs, toads, lizards. 

Remain hidden in dark and silent places like rat holes, termite mounds, variety of caves, old tree mounds, under rocks etc. during day time. Distributed in variety of forests including rainforest; dry, moist, mixed deciduous forest, scrub forest, wetlands, grasslands etc. Lives in almost all kinds of habitat suitable for snakes and wide range of elevations (plains and hills); this includes urban settlement, dense & open forest, hills, agricultural lands, rocky terrain etc. Prefers wet surrounding for activity. 

Threats includes killing due to its highly venomous nature. This is probably the most common venomous snake found in road kills. Venom of Common Krait is considered to be medically useful and so it comes under venom trade with high demand and price. In many parts of its range it is exploited for edible and skin trade.

Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule 2. 

Common Krait is one of the most active rodent and snake feeder. In fact this is the only widely distributed of India which selects other snakes as its chief food. In direct way it controls population of many common snakes and rodents around human settlement and agricultural lands.

It is believed that this snake bites to sleeping people and suffocate them to death. Another myth is its bite has no treatment and victim always dies. In actual practice bite cases can be treated well by providing anti-venom serum and life support system on time.