
(Bungarus candidus)
Malaysian
krait
Habitat:
Most common in lowland forests & moist areas, in Cambodia, Indonesia (Java, Sumatra, Bali, Salawese),
Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, & Vietnam.Activity and Behavior: Nocturnal & usually very timid (especially in daytime). Active at dusk & after dark. Usually inoffensive; will
not usually bite unless stepped on. Often found near inhabited places & on trails at night. Mainly prey on
other snakes, their eggs, & available other small animals. Oviparous, no clutch size reported (other
observed related spp. usually lay 3-12 eggs/ clutch).Venom Characteristics: Potent neurotoxin. Most victims bitten while asleep in huts at night. Local symptoms generally minimal.
Symptoms may include abdominal discomfort, headache, & giddiness. Neurotoxic symptoms include
ptosis, facial paralysis, & inability to open mouth, or extrude tongue. Human fatalities have been reported
but are rare.
“Giddiness” as a symptom amuses me because I have this mental image of some guy being like “dude!! you won’t -haha- believe this, it’s awesome, a snake BIT me, come look, it’s the BEST THING also maybe get a doctor”.