(Bungarus caeruleus vs Lycodon aulicus)
Scientific Classification
| Feature | Common Krait | Common Wolf Snake |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bungarus caeruleus | Lycodon aulicus |
| Family | Elapidae | Colubridae |
| Venom | Highly venomous (neurotoxic) | Non-venomous |
| Fang Type | Proteroglyphous (fixed front fangs) | Aglipha (no specialized fangs) |
| Length | Up to 1.5 m (5 ft) | Usually up to 70 cm |
| Reproduction | Lays 8-12 eggs between march-may | Lays 4-11 eggs during monsoon |
| Scale Texture | Smooth, glossy, with hexagonal vertebral scales | Glossy but not hexagonal vertebral scales |
Common Krait: One of India's most venomous snakes. Neurotoxic venom can cause paralysis and death. Often bites at night.
Common Wolf Snake: Harmless. Mistaken for krait due to its color pattern. Can bite in self-defense but causes no harm.
Common Krait: Nocturnal, prefers fields, villages, and near water sources. Extremely shy and hides under debris. Solitary and secretive.
Common Wolf Snake: Also nocturnal. Found in walls, houses, gardens. More active than krait. Climbs walls. Eats geckos and small lizards.
🔍 Identification Tips
- Krait: Uniform black or bluish body with thin white bands, smooth glossy scales, head is not distinct from the neck.
- Wolf Snake: Dark brown or black body with thicker white/yellow bands, triangular head, large eyes, body slimmer than krait.
📍 Distribution in India
Common Krait: Found across the Indian subcontinent, especially in plains, UP, MP, Bihar, and South India.
Common Wolf Snake: Widespread in India, often seen in human habitats like houses and walls.
⚖️ Summary Table
| Aspect | Krait | Wolf Snake |
|---|---|---|
| Head Shape | Small and roundish not distinct | Triangular and flat, distinct |
| Eye Size | Small, not prominent | Large eyes |
| Activity | Nocturnal | Nocturnal |
| Behavior | Shy, calm avoids conflict | Active, Aggressive fast-moving |
| Venomous? | Yes, highly | No |
| Stripes | Dont have stripe on head | Stripes Starts from Head |
| Body | Triangular | Roundish |
| Common Confusion | Often mistaken for wolf snake | Often mistaken for krait |
Krait: 
Wolf Snake:
FAQs
Is the Common Krait rear-fanged?
No. The Common Krait is a front-fanged elapid. It has fixed front fangs like other venomous snakes in its family, such as cobras.
Can the Wolf Snake’s bite harm humans?
No, it’s non-venomous. While its bite can be painful due to its sharp teeth, it’s not dangerous or medically significant.
How can I avoid confusing them?
Observe head shape, scale glossiness, and band thickness. Also, kraits usually move slower and coil tightly when threatened.
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