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The many-banded krait

Writer: Isaac Cohen  |  Editor: Liu Minxia  |  From: Shenzhen Daily

A many-banded krait is seen in Tanglang Mountain in Bao'an District in this June 1, 2022 photo. Isaac Cohen


The many-banded krait

Considered the most venomous snake in China, the many-banded krait (Bungarus multicinctus) is as beautiful as it is lethal. Capable of growing up to 1.5 meters in length, this small snake possesses a highly toxic venom with the ability of paralyzing the regular functions of its victim’s body, leading to a quick death of its prey. This species’ venom even has its own name, the bungarotoxin, named after this amazing family of reptiles. 

银环蛇是中国最致命的毒蛇之一,它们蛇如其名,美丽又危险。成蛇体长可达1.5米,虽不算大,但它们携带的神经毒素却能麻痹猎物的生理活动,使其迅速死亡。由于环蛇属的蛇类普遍身怀剧毒,生物学家便将它们的毒素统一命名为“环蛇毒素”。

A many-banded krait is seen in Tanglang Mountain in Bao'an District in this June 1, 2022 photo.

This fascinating snake is covered by a striking bright black and white banding pattern, where the black bands gradually decrease in width from head to tail. The beautiful white bands have given this species the common name of “silver rings,” as addressed by local people, which in my opinion is a better name for it. 

这种毒蛇全身遍布具光泽的黑色鳞片及银白色横纹,越靠近尾部,白色横纹之间的距离就越窄,因此当地人把它叫做“银环蛇”。我觉得,比起英文常用名,中文的“银环蛇”是一个更适合它们的名字。 

Its black head is not big or prominent as in other types of snakes; the tail is very short and thinner than the body; and the bands are incomplete on the ventral part of the animal. Therefore, the snake has a whitish grayish belly.

比起其他的蛇类,银环蛇黑色的头部较小,尾部很短,宽度躯干更细,身上的银环至腹部便消失,显露出污白色的皮肤。

A many-banded krait is seen in Tanglang Mountain in Bao'an District in this June 1, 2022 photo. 

The many-banded krait is active during the night when it has a predominant presence in its territory in search of frogs, lizards or even other snakes. In spite of their high lethality, this amazing animal is not at all aggressive. Its primary reaction when spotted by humans is to flee the scene or continue its way to safety. Even when feeling threatened, it will try to hide its head beneath its body in order to protect it.

银环蛇是一种昼伏夜出的陆栖性蛇类,以青蛙、蜥蜴及其他蛇类为食。它们虽有剧毒,攻击性却不强,遭遇人类的第一反应往往是逃之夭夭。即使受到威胁,也会立刻盘起身体以保护头部。 

The many-banded krait has a similar appearance to a non-venomous snake called the wolf snake. 

有一种叫做狼蛇的无毒蛇,外形和银环蛇长得极为相似。 

It is not recommended to approach them or handle them at all. All animals in their habitats should be left alone and we should provide them with our protection for the healthy development of our natural ecosystems. 

如果在野外遇见银环蛇,我们应当对它们敬而远之——这放在其他的动物身上也一样,我们应该让它们在自己的家园里自由、安全地繁衍生息,因为保护它们就是保护我们的生态系统。