The banded krait

A banded krait is seen among fallen leaves in Tanglang Mountain, Nanshan District. Photos by Isaac Cohen

The banded krait

The banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus) is a remarkable snake measuring up to 2 meters in length. It appears visually striking, with alternating black and yellow or white bands encircling its body. These bands provide excellent camouflage in its natural habitat, blending seamlessly with its surroundings. Its head is small and slightly flattened, and it possesses a distinctive black band across its eyes. Its rounded and broad tail is often used to distract predators, which may mistake it for a head whileits real head remains hidden under its body.

金环蛇，体长达2米，躯干及尾背腹面黑色，全身具均匀一致的金色环纹，能够与栖息的生境完美地融为一体；头较小，呈倒三角形，具一黑色贯眼纹；尾部末端钝圆，在野外常把头藏起，露出尾部，以迷惑天敌。

The banded krait can be found in various habitats, including forests, grasslands and agricultural areas. It is primarily found in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. This adaptable snake can thrive in terrestrial and aquatic environments, seeking refuge in burrows, rock crevices or under logs during the day.

金环蛇常见于林地、草原及农田地区，是泰国、马来西亚、印度尼西亚、中国等地的本土物种。它们的适应能力较强，会游泳，能掘地，但怕光，白天常藏匿于岩缝或枯木中。

Predominantly nocturnal, it prefers to hunt and explore under cover of darkness. It is also known for its secretive nature, often avoiding human encounters. When threatened, the banded krait may adopt a defensive posture, coiling its body and hiding its head or performing aggressive body movements to escape.

金环蛇多在夜间活动，性隐蔽惧人。遭受威胁时通常取防御姿态，把身体盘起来并将头部藏于腹下。

A banded krait is seen among fallen leaves in Tanglang Mountain, Nanshan District. 

This venomous snake relies on its neurotoxic venom–the result ofnatural selection and adaptation–to subdue its prey. Its diet primarily consists of other snakes, including small cobras and kraits. It also feeds on lizards, frogs and occasionally small mammals. The banded kraitimmobilizes its preywith potent venom, and then swallows its meal whole.

金环蛇在漫长的进化和适应中形成了能够分泌神经毒素的前沟，能够往猎物体内注入剧毒。它们会猎食比自己体型更小的蛇类，甚至包括眼镜蛇、环蛇等，也吃蜥蜴、青蛙及小型哺乳动物，捕获后先用蛇毒让猎物失去行动能力，再囫囵一口吞下。

The banded krait plays a vital role in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance. As an apex predator, it helps control populations of smaller reptiles and mammals, contributing to the stability of the food chain.

金环蛇是维系本地生态平衡的重要角色。作为顶级捕食者，它们调控了小型爬行动物与哺乳动物的数量，维系了食物链的稳定。