Bungarus multicinctus multicinctus (Blyth, 1861)
Many-banded Krait 銀環蛇
(Highly venomous)

Back with 35 or more pairs of alternating black and white crossbands, black bands being wider.
Black speckling may be found on the yellow band.
Bands do not extend to the ventral. Ventrals greyish white.
Body with triangular cross-section similar to but less pronounced as Band Krait (Bungarus fasciatus).
Head primarily black. Whitish labials with black edge.
Two whitish blotches present on lower side of head in juveniles.
Short, thin tail tapering towards the end.
Scales larger along vertebral ridge than other dorsal scales. Scales smooth.
Extremely venomous. Potent neurotoxic toxin affects the nervous system and kills by causing respiratory paralysis and possible heart failure.
Snake bites cause no pain, only itches mildly.
Poisoning develops in 1 - 4 hours; Delayed treatment can be fatal.
Known to have caused several human death in Hong Kong.

Inhabits a diversity of habitats including shrubland, forest, agricultural areas and edges of mangroves but prefers marshy areas.
Sometimes found inside catchwaters.

Nocturnal. Not as tame as Band Krait (Bungarus fasciatus).
Often thrash forcefully and may bite when caught.
Unsafe to hold a krait, as neck is flexible and can twist and bite with one fang even when held behind the head.

Mainly ophiophagous. Also eats rodents, eels, frogs and lizards.
Feeds well on rat snakes in captivity.

Oviparous. Lays 4 - 8 eggs a time. Hatchling 25 - 30 cm in total length.

Widely distributed in New Territories and on some local islands.
Common in Tai Po Kau Forest Nature Reserve.
Distributed throughout southern China including Taiwan, Burma, Laos and northern Vietnam.