Scientific Name: Bungarus candidus
Family: Elapidae
Classification: Reptilia (Squamata)
Toxicity Level: EXTREME (Among the most toxic land snakes in Asia)
Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam)
Adult Size: 1.0 – 1.6 meters (3.3 – 5.2 feet)
Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
Diet: Ophiophagous (Snakes, skinks, lizards, mice - occasionally)
The Malayan Krait, often called the Blue Krait, is a deceptive beauty. It features alternating bands of dark brown/black and white (or pale cream). Older individuals often develop a dark, steely-blue sheen on the black bands. It lacks the sharp vertebral ridge of the Banded Krait, having a smoother, more rounded body. It is frequently confused with the harmless Wolf Snake (Lycodon), but the Krait’s hexogonal dorsal scales and highly venomous nature set it apart.
Notes LETHAL POTENTIAL: This species is considered more dangerous than the Banded Krait due to its more potent venom (high LD50) and a higher tendency to bite when provoked at night.
Activity: Strictly nocturnal. In the wild, they are known to enter human dwellings in search of prey (other geckos/rats), making them a species of high medical importance.
Why Source This Species:
High-End Keeper Appeal: Due to its extreme toxicity and simple yet elegant black-and-white contrast, it is sought after by advanced "Hot" keepers who respect its power.
Biological Mimicry: It is the perfect specimen to demonstrate Batesian mimicry (when compared alongside the harmless Wolf Snake) in an educational setting.
Manageable Size: It does not grow as large as King Cobras, making housing requirements more manageable, provided the enclosure is absolutely escape-proof.
Malaysia
