Macmillan India Limited. Kraits are ophiophagous, preying primarily upon other snakes (including venomous varieties) and are cannibalistic, feeding on other kraits. In this last case, the monovalent B. fasciatus antivenom is also moderately effective. A clinical toxicology study gives an untreated mortality rate of 70-80%. Frequently, little or no pain occurs at the site of a krait bite, which can provide false reassurance to the victim. The common krait (Bungarus caeruleus), also known as Indian krait or blue krait is a species of highly venomous snake of the genus Bungarus found in the Indian subcontinent. In the breeding season, the movement to land is more frequent. This may help in species identification if the snake has not been seen. Though sea snakes and kraits are occasional visitors to New Zealand’s waters, they are considered a native species under the Wildlife Act 1953. Their body has a striped pattern, nasal scales are separated by inter-nasals scales, and the maxillary boneextends forwards beyond the palatin… They have the ability to “breath” or exchange gases through the skin as well as the lungs. Please check your email now. Nevertheless, if you find a sea snake or krait keep well away and call 0800 DOC HOT. The female lays a clutch of 12 to 14 eggs in piles of leaf litter, and stays with them until they hatch. Kraits live in Asian forests and farmland from Pakistan to southern China and southward into Indonesia. Sea kraits we observed were hunting for prey, probing for small-bodied fish in crevices and under coral heads. CÆRULEUS Boulenger, 1896. The venom of the sea krait affects both muscles and nerves. In mice, the LD50 values of its venom are 0.325 mg/kg SC, 0.169 mg/kg IV and 0.089 mg/kg IP. Typically, victims complain of severe abdominal cramps, accompanied by progressive paralysis. Sea snakes and kraits are highly venomous but, as they are docile creatures, there is no record of anyone in New Zealand being bitten. While the venom of banded sea kraits ranks among the most toxic in the world, they are so docile and non-aggressive that humans are rarely bitten, even in situations where the animal feels threatened. Romulus Whitaker (1978). Behavioral differences during day and night time have been reported in B. caeruleus. Explore all our latest news from the field, Learn more about Living Oceans Foundation. The black head has yellowish accents. In common with those of all other venomous snakes, the death time and fatality rate resulting from bites of kraits depend on numerous factors, such as the venom yield and the health status of the victim. Unlike sea snakes, sea kraits spend part of their time on land, drinking fresh water and laying their eggs there. Frequently, little or no pain occurs from a krait bite, and this can provide false reassurance to the victim. They breed in the tropics and spend a large amount of their lives drifting on the ocean currents. The venom of the sea krait affects both muscles and nerves. Most of our cookies are used to improve website security and reduce spam. It often rolls its body into a loose, coiled ball, keeping its head well concealed. These cookies should be enabled at all times. It is known to take up residence in termite mounds, brick piles, rat holes, even inside houses. Each snake can produce up to 10-15 mg (0.0004-0.0005 oz) of venom. It is 10 times more toxic than that of a rattlesnake. All have bodies that are strongly triangular in cross-section. Sea kraits are unique among sea snakes. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. This species of sea snake has a scientific name of Laticauda semifasciata. This is because they arrive here naturally from time to time on ocean currents (rather than by human transportation). Kraits are nocturnal, so seldom encounter humans during daylight hours; incidents occur mainly at night. Sea kraits: This is the banded sea krait, Laticauda colubrina. It is therefore illegal to kill or harass a sea snake, or possess one or any part of one without a permit. [4] Most species of kraits are covered in smooth, glossy scales arranged in bold, striped patterns of alternating black and light-colored areas. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Although their venom is the most potent of all snakes, human fatalities are rare. Although sea snakes are among the most venomous of all snakes, being 10 times more toxic than a rattlesnake, this one seemed fairly docile, paying little attention to us. Banded sea kraits leave the ocean for land at about 10 day intervals, usually at night, to digest food, engage in courtship, lay eggs, and slough skin. It is a member of the "big four" species, inflicting the most snakebites on humans in Bangladesh and India. Bungarus contains some species which are among the most venomous land snakes in the world to mice based on their LD50. It occurs throughout South India and Sri Lanka at elevations up to about 1600 m.[1] It is also recorded from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.[3]. This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages. These phases may not be seen in all parts of the body at the same time. Only a fraction of the amount produced is a lethal dose. specialist predators on anguilliform W shes (henceforth. Since kraits are nocturnal, they seldom encounter humans during daylight, so bites are rare, but a bite from a krait is potentially life-threatening, and should be regarded as a medical emergency. kraits (sea snakes from t he genus Laticau da) that are. We sampled two species of amphibious sea kraits (Laticauda saintgironsi and L. laticaudata) in the field. While most of the 62 described species are true aquatic snakes, we observed one of the more primitive snakes, banded sea kraits, Laticauda colubrina. This information is supplied for use as a reference. 12. COMMON INDIAN SNAKES: A Field Guide. The population of sea kraits is threatened by destruction of both their aquatic and land habitats for development, and conversion to aquaculture farms. Two species of sea krait occasionally visit New Zealand waters – the banded sea krait and Saint Giron’s sea krait. The eyes are rather small, with rounded pupils, indistinguishable in life. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Large, dense populations of the snakes can be found on relatively small islands during the breeding season. Biodiversity inventory and monitoring toolbox, Atlas of the amphibians and reptiles of New Zealand, Amphibian & Reptile Distribution Scheme (ARDS) card. Department of Conservation | Te Papa Atawhai, https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-fish-and-reptiles/sea-snakes-and-kraits/. The banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus) of Southeast Asia grows to 2 metres (6.6 feet), and other species commonly reach more than a metre in length. On land, the snakes drink fresh water. [10], *) Not including the nominate subspecies (typical form). Like all snakes, this species reproduces through internal fertilization. Black banded sea krait is also known as Chinese sea snake. They are terrestrial, feeding mainly on other snakes but also on frogs, lizards, and The pattern, however, is complete and well defined in the young, which are marked with conspicuous crossbars even anteriorly; in old individuals, the narrow white lines may be found as a series of connected spots, with a prominent spot on the vertebral region. Kraits usually range between 1.0 and 1.5 m (3 ft 3 in and 4 ft 11 in) in total length (including tail), although specimens as large as 2.0 m (6 ft 7 in) have been observed. They can dive up to 50 m for 3-4 hours, depending on the temperature of the water, and feed on small fishes. [4][5] and the average venom yield is 10 mg (dry weight). Although they must come to land to drink fresh water, they have a salt gland under their tongue which is used to expel excess salt. Sea kraits we observed were hunting for prey, probing for small-bodied fish in crevices and under coral heads. (562) 590-3100. The victim may die without waking up. The body is cylindrical, tapering towards the tail. In their natural habitat, sea kraits feed primarily on eels, but will occasionally prey on small fishes when they are able to trap them in the crevices of a reef. Often during the rainy season, the snakes come out of their hiding places and find refuge inside dry houses. It is 10 times more toxic than that of a rattlesnake. This snake is able to live on land or in the ocean. It also has its scientific species name which is “Laticauda colubrine” which has given rise to yet another common name “colubrine sea krait”. Adult males can reach 75 cm (30 in). It often hides in rodent holes, loose soil, or beneath debris, so is rarely seen. When in this 'balled' condition, the snake allows considerable handling, but overhandling often instigates bites. This may serve as aposematic colouration in its habitat of grassland and scrub jungle. The genus Bungarus has 15 species. You may also need to WHITELIST ‘livingoceansfoundation.org’ in your email program. The snake has distinctive black stripes and a yellow snout, with a paddle-like tail for use in swimming. Given that the toxins alter acetylcholine transmission which causes the paralysis, some patients have been successfully treated with cholinesterase inhibitors, such as physostigmine or neostigmine, but success is variable and may be species-dependent, as well.
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