The red-headed krait (Bungarus flaviceps) is a large and highly venomous elapid snake with dramatic coloration. The red-headed krait can grow to a length of up to 2.1 metres (7 ft). It lives in lowland rain forest, including those on islands, but it is considered uncommon. It feeds primarily on specific snakes, probably semiaquatic and fossorial snakes. In Southeast Asia, the red-headed krait occurs in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia (Sumatra), with a subspecies in Borneo. The venom potency is little-studied, as bites from this species are extremely rare.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
Considered venomous. Public sources list it as such; we have not verified this individually. The note covers its whole genus. Kraits (Bungarus spp.), including the common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Calliophis bivirgatus — venomous
- Calliophis nigrotaeniatus — venomous
- Calamaria schlegeli
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Elapidae
- Genus
- Bungarus
- Species
- Bungarus flaviceps
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo