Image: Sind Krait and walls krait(CC BY-Vivek sharma and pratik sarkar)
The Sind Krait (Bungarus sindanus) and Wall’s Krait (Bungarus walli) may look similar, but they are scientifically distinct species with key differences in genetics, venom, and distribution. This detailed comparison highlights their differences with scientific evidence.
🧬 Taxonomic Classification
| Attribute | Sind Krait (B. sindanus) | Wall’s Krait (B. walli) |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Bungarus sindanus (Boulenger, 1897) | Bungarus walli (Smith, 1943) |
| Family | Elapidae | Elapidae |
| Genus | Bungarus | Bungarus |
| Species Group | B. caeruleus complex | Once considered a variant of B. sindanus |
🧪 Genetic & Molecular Differences
DNA studies using markers like ND4 and cytochrome b show that Wall’s Krait is genetically distinct from Sind Krait. In fact, it is often genetically closer to the Common Krait.
🐍 Morphological Differences
| Feature | B. sindanus | B. walli |
|---|---|---|
| Dorsal Scale Rows | 15 | 15 |
| Ventrals | 213–230 | 205–215 |
| Subcaudals | 50–60 (paired) | 40–50 (paired) |
| Tail Length | Longer | Shorter |
| Color Bands | Thin, often faded | Broader, distinct |
🗺️ Geographic Range
- Sind Krait: Found in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Punjab, and Pakistan.
- Wall’s Krait: Found in UP, Bihar, MP, Nepal regions.
☠️ Venom Composition
- Sind Krait: Highly potent neurotoxin, causes respiratory failure.
- Wall’s Krait: Also neurotoxic, but less studied and rarely documented in bite cases.
✅ Summary Table
| Criteria | B. sindanus | B. walli |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic Distinctness | Yes | Yes |
| Scale Count | Higher | Lower |
| Venom Potency | Extremely High | Lower or Undocumented |
| Habitat | Dry regions | Humid plains & hills |
| Recognized as Species | Since 1897 | Since 1943 |
📚 References
- Bhosale H. et al. (2020). Systematics of Kraits in India using molecular phylogeny.
- Deepak V. et al. (2021). Review of Bungarus complex and description of new species.
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