Narrow-banded Krait

Narrow-banded krait is also a venomous snake. When bitten by this snake, people usually don't feel pain, but instead feel drowsy. The body of the narrow-banded krait is covered in white and black rings, with the white rings being relatively narrow. Its tail is slim and its body length is about 1 meter.

The narrow-banded krait is a species of the genus Bungarus in the family Elapidae. It is commonly known as Guoji Gorge, white节黑, money white-flower snake, silver-armored belt, silver package iron, etc. It is extremely venomous and is the fourth largest venomous snake on land.

The narrow-banded krait is widely distributed, and it can be found in Anhui, Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Hubei, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Guizhou, and Yunnan provinces in China. Outside of China, it is found in Myanmar, and northern Vietnam. The Yunnan subspecies of the narrow-banded krait is only found in southwestern Yunnan Province, China.

Not recommended for rearing

   1. The Narrow-banded krait is the fourth largest land venomous snake.

   2. This species has been included in the List of National Protected Terrestrial Wildlife with Beneficial or Important Economic and Scientific Research Value, issued by the State Forestry Administration of China on August 1, 2000.

   3. The rearing conditions are relatively strict.

The Narrow-banded krait has multiple parasites in its body. Mild parasitic infections weaken the body and can lead to other diseases, while severe infections often result in death.

Preventive measures:

1. The cysticercoid is the larva of the tapeworm, and snakes are the second intermediate host of the Mesocestoides tapeworm. Cysticercoids generally do not pose a significant threat to snakes when they are parasitic under the skin.

If the cysticercoid is parasitic under the snake's skin, it can be surgically removed and then treated with 1% to 2% tincture of iodine. If the cysticercoid is parasitic in other parts of the body, there is no need for specific treatment, as it can be treated together with other parasitic infections.

2. The pentastome parasite parasitizes the lungs and trachea of snakes, causing significant harm and even suffocation and death. To treat this parasite, administer an anti-parasite solution for animals into the stomach, with a dosage of 0.01 grams per kilogram of body weight, and continue for 3 days.

3. The lung nematode parasite resides in the pulmonary cavity and is densely distributed in the affected area over time, leading to the deterioration and death of the snake's lungs. Treatment involves using 0.1 to 0.2 milligrams of mebendazole per kilogram of body weight for oral administration.

4. The heterophyid fluke parasite resides in the gallbladder of the snake.

5. Tick and lice infestation is an infectious disease caused by inadequate cleanliness in the enclosure and breeding environment. Tick and lice infestation can reduce the snake's serum protein and transmit pathogens, causing strong irritation to the host and weakening the immune system, often resulting in systemic diseases.

Ticks and lice generally parasitize in the recesses around the eyes, throat, and genital cavities. Once ticks and lice are found on the snake's body, continuous treatment is necessary, and snakes that have come into contact with infected snakes should also receive comprehensive treatment. Ticks and lice can be found in water after soaking the snake's body for a few minutes, which can determine whether the snake's body is infested with ticks and lice.

Caring for Narrow-banded Krait

   The Narrow-banded Krait is relatively timid and will react accordingly when startled. Whether you are a beginner or an enthusiast, caution should be exercised as this snake will also attack other snakes that share the same habitat, so cohabitation is not recommended.

   The Narrow-banded Krait has multiple parasites in its body. Mild cases of parasitic diseases can weaken its constitution and lead to other diseases, while severe cases can directly cause death.

   During the incubation period, the ideal temperature for the Narrow-banded Krait is 20-27°C and the relative humidity should be 50%-70%. The incubation period lasts for 42 days.

   At the beginning of the month, snakes need a large amount of nutrients to replenish their bodies, and in November, they need to accumulate nutrients in preparation for hibernation. During these two months, it is crucial to feed them more frequently and abundantly. The most suitable temperature for snakes is 18-28°C, and they hibernate below 10°C and freeze to death below 5°C. Therefore, it is important to keep them warm in winter by covering the snake room with 20 centimeters of straw, sealing the access door, and placing straw, paper scraps, and gunny bags inside the snake room.

    In terms of feeding, the Narrow-banded Krait, like many snakes, is a carnivorous animal. In the wild, they often prey on loaches, eels, and other small animals, including other snakes. For those who keep this snake as a pet, feeding should be done at night. They do not need to be fed every day, once or twice a week is sufficient, and it is best to feed them after they have defecated.

   Newly acquired snakes should be given a period of two to three days to acclimate. As for food, rats are the preferred choice, followed by loaches. The Narrow-banded Krait is very sensitive, and the chance of vomiting is very high if it is disturbed within two days after feeding. Different types of food can be provided after they have established a regular feeding routine, such as yellow eels, small snakes, and frogs.

   It is best to breed snakes with young snakes weighing around 500 grams, and maintain a 10:1 ratio of females to males. Snakes do not have a large appetite, and a snake consumes approximately 1-2 kilograms of food per year, mainly leeches, yellow eels, and loaches. In the evening, a small amount of yellow eels and loaches should be placed in the feeding pool before the snakes emerge from their nest. The amount of food should be based on their consumption. Generally, 50 grams of small loaches can feed 10 snakes for one meal. Frogs and other prey can be caught and released into the snake enclosure, allowing the snakes to feed freely. Snakes only eat live prey and will not eat dead food, so dead organisms in the pool should be removed. At the beginning of May, snakes need a large amount of nutrients to replenish their bodies, and in November, they need to accumulate nutrients in preparation for hibernation. During these two months, it is crucial to feed them more frequently and abundantly. The most suitable temperature for snakes is 18-28°C, and they hibernate below 10°C and freeze to death below 5°C. Therefore, it is important to keep them warm in winter by covering the snake room with 20 centimeters of straw, sealing the access door, and placing straw, paper scraps, and gunny bags inside the snake room.