The Life of Animals | Common Krait | The common krait (Bungarus caeruleus) is a type of krait that is found in the jungles of the Indian sub-continent. This snake is highly venomous, and is one of the "big four" snakes in India. The body colour varies from a dark steely blue-black to a pale faded bluish grey. It has large hexagonal scales running down its spine. Young are known to eat arthropods. As per Daniels, the common krait feeds primarily on other snakes, including "blind worms" (snakes of the genus Typhlops) and other kraits, and also feeds on frogs and lizards and small mammals. This snake is nocturnal.
In balled condition, the snake allows considerable handling, however, over handling often instigates bites. At night the snake is very active, escapes by hissing loudly, or keeping still, occasionally biting the source of the annoyance. When agitated, it will coil up with head concealed, body flattened, and make jerky movements. May also lift its tail. Reluctant to bite, but when it does bite, it typically bites and holds on for awhile, which enables it to inject considerable amounts of venom. The untreated mortality rate from its bites can be very high. This snake is regarded as one of the most dangerous Bungarus species.
The Indian krait's venom consists of neurotoxic which induces muscle paralysis. Clinically, their venom contains pre-synaptic neurotoxins. There is frequently little or no pain from a krait bite and this can provide false reassurance to the victim. Typically, victims complain of severe abdominal cramps, accompanied by progressive paralysis. This allow for gentle transport to medical facilities, where the venom can be treated when the bandage is removed. It is also possible to support bite victims via mechanical ventilation, using equipment of the type generally available at hospitals. Often in rainy season the snakes come out of their hiding places and find refuge on dry places inside a house. if bitten by it in sleep the victim seldom comes to know as the bite feels more like an ant bite or a mosquito bite. The victim can well be dead before he even wakes up. In the famous story in The Jungle Book, "Rikki Tikki Tavi," Karait, a dustbrown krait, threatens the boy.
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