Krait

/kɹˈe‍ɪt/

/kɹˈeɪt/

[noun]

Krait

[NOUN]

a highly venomous nocturnal snake with a dark skin and bright rings originated in Indian subcontinent

What is a "krait"?

A krait is a highly venomous snake found in many parts of Asia. It is known for its striking appearance, with a glossy black or bluish-black body and distinct white or yellow bands. Kraits are typically nocturnal and can grow to a length of about 4 to 6 feet. They have a potent venom that affects the nervous system, making them dangerous to humans. Kraits are usually docile during the day but become more active and aggressive at night. They primarily prey on other snakes and small vertebrates. Due to their venomous nature, kraits are regarded with caution and respect by local communities.

Examples

1. They are the common krait, Russell’s viper, the Indian saw-scaled viper and the Indian cobra.

2. Common kraits have neurotoxic venom that can cause respiratory paralysis but not before taking away the victim’s ability to speak or even see.

3. He believed that the snake, a common krait, had slithered into his headgear from the pond near his home.

4. These two snakes are in a two-way arms race, the cobra must maintain a level of toxicity that can kill the krait and also maintain its own immunity to the crates powerful venom.