Animal Venom Research International, Common Krait, Bungarus caeruleus

The common krait is a neurotoxic species (causes respiratory failure) responsible for many deaths in Sri Lanka. It is arguably the most lethal species due to the delayed onset of symptoms. The local name for the snake is "Magamaruwa", which means "death on the way". When symptoms appear and people head for the hospital, they are often in respiratory arrest before they arrive. Adequate pre-hospital care is essentially non-existent throughout the country.

The photo to the right is an example of the wattle and daub housing that occurs throughout Sri Lanka. It is easy to see how kraits can enter the dwelling during the night, and unfortunately, people routinely sleep on the floor of the homes. Kraits are known to hunt the geckoes which live in the cracks in the walls of the dwelling.