There are two species of kraits, genus Bungarus, in Sri Lanka: the Common Krait, Bungarus caeruleus and the Sri Lankan or Ceylon Krait, Bungarus ceylonicus.

The Common Krait, B. caeruleus, is a nocturnal elapid from the Dry Zone. It is known to inhabit termite mounds, drainage ditches, old masonry, and rubble and are often found near water. Kraits are usually found solitarily or in pairs and are very secretive in habit. Their average length is 1 to 1.5m. They feed upon other small snakes, geckos, and lizards and are known to be cannibalistic.

The Sri Lankan Krait, B. ceylonicus, is a species endemic to Sri Lanka that inhabits the forests of the Wet and Intermediate Zones. The Sri Lankan krait can be distinguished from the Common Krait by its pronounced white banding pattern that remains even into adulthood. Little is known about its habits. No antivenom has been developed to neutralize the venom of the Sri Lankan Krait.


Sri Lankan Krait, Bungarus ceylonicus

Kraits are neurotoxic (causing respiratory failure), and are responsible for many deaths in Sri Lanka. They are arguably the most lethal species due to the delayed onset of symptoms. The local name for the krait is "Magamaruwa", which means "death on the way". Once symptoms appear and victims are brought to the hospital, they are often already suffering from respiratory failure. Adequate pre-hospital first aid intervention is essentially non-existent in Sri Lanka.

Common Krait, Bungarus caeruleus, note how the white banding disappears with age.



The photo above is an example of the wattle and daub housing that occurs throughout rural Sri Lanka. It is easy to see how kraits can enter dwellings during the night when, unfortunately, people routinely sleep on the floor. Kraits are attracted to geckos and other small prey which live in the cracks in the walls of these houses. 

Many krait bites could be avoided by sleeping off the ground and under nets. In one study conducted on the epidemiology of snakebite in Sri Lanka, 100% of krait bites occurred indoors.


Common Wolf Snake, Lycodon aulicus

The Common Wolf Snake, Lycodon aulicus, a non-venomous species, is an imitator of the krait. It is often killed due to misidentification.