The dangerously venomous Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus) is widely distributed in Myanmar (Ayeyarwady Division, Kachin State, Magway Division, Mandalay Division, Rakhine State, Yangon Division) and from central and northeastern India through all of Southeast Asia including southern China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Malaysia to western Indonesia (Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan). In Myanmar, this species is found mainly in low-lying regionsat elevations from around sea level to around 300 m, although historical records suggest a range up to 2300 m. In Myanmar, most individuals encountered have been found in degraded habitat in the vicinity of villages and agriculture (including paddy). Several have been found in or along streams. Outside Myanmar, this species has been recorded from a wide range of habitat types. These snakes are active at night. (Leviton et al. 2003 and references therein. Masson (1930) reported a western extension of the then known range of B. fasciatus based on a specimen of about 5 feet seen on a road.
Yahya (1986) reported on a specimen he observed and photographed on 20 July1984 for more than an hour. He noted that its bright yellow and black bands were very conspicuous against the grassy background. When approached for photography, the snake would hiss, but did not strike. According to Yahya, the local people reported that this snake was a resident in the area (Nazramohamda, Darbhanga District, Bihar) and sometimes seen with young. Local people reportedly protect this snake as it is believed to bring prosperity to homes in its vicinity.It is also believed that other snakes do not reside in places where the Banded Krait resides.
Rundquist (1986) gave a brief account of what he believed to be the second captive hatching of this species in the United States (likely the result of a mating in the wild).
Dorsal scales in 15 longitudinal rows at midbody; subcaudal scutes undivided throughout; middorsal row of scales (vertebrals) strongly enlarged, as broad as or broader than long; tail end blunt. Distinct vertebral ridge down back formed by neural processes of vertebrae. Ventrals 200-234; subcaudals 23-39. Pattern of black and yellow bands, all of which encircle body. Total recorded length to 2125 mm, but over 1800 mm is said to be rare. (Leviton et al. 2003)
