Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernBanded krait at a glance
The banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus) is a reptile in the family Elapidae. Range in Indonesia: Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Bali. Diet: other snakes, lizards and small mammals; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Bungarus fasciatus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Ular welang |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Elapidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Bali |
| Linked habitats | Tropical Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands, Urban Habitats |
| Diet | Other snakes, lizards and small mammals |
| Range in Indonesia | Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Bali |
| Key feature | Bands ring the belly; triangular body cross-section |
| Length | Up to 225 cm |
| Other names | Ular welang (Indonesian) |
| Risk to people | Neurotoxic venom; bites very rarely recorded |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of vertebrates: rodents, other snakes, lizards, frogs, fish · Ecology Asia |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Venomous · WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' |
In this guide (12)
What is the banded krait?
The banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus), or ular welang, is a venomous krait with black and yellow, or black and white, bands that ring its whole body. According to the Indonesian Herpetological Society, its head bears a V-shaped mark and its body is triangular in cross-section. WHO guidance notes a blunt tail tip. It can reach 2.25 metres. A 2023 genetic study found at least three lineages within B. fasciatus; populations from Java and the Greater Sunda Islands form a Sundaic lineage whose taxonomic status still needs review. It is most often confused with the Malayan krait (Bungarus candidus), which has a plain white belly.
Evidence: Perhimpunan Herpetologi Indonesia — Ular Welang (Bungarus fasciatus) (salinan arsip Wayback Machine, April 2026) ↗ · WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia — Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd edition (2016) ↗ · Scientific Reports — Biakzuala et al. (2023), Molecular phylogeny reveals distinct evolutionary lineages of the banded krait ↗
Where does the banded krait live?
In Indonesia, the banded krait is recorded from Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Bali. The Indonesian Herpetological Society describes varied habitats, from forest and settlements to disturbed land, at 20–2,300 metres above sea level, with a preference for open areas near water. A record from the southern slope of Mount Merapi, Yogyakarta, was published in 2013. A telemetry study in rice-growing country in Thailand found that banded kraits sheltered by day along waterways and paddy dykes, and avoided regularly worked monoculture fields. Beyond Indonesia, the range stretches from India and Nepal to southern China and the Malay Peninsula.
Evidence: The Reptile Database — Bungarus fasciatus ↗ · Perhimpunan Herpetologi Indonesia — Ular Welang (Bungarus fasciatus) (salinan arsip Wayback Machine, April 2026) ↗ · The Herpetological Bulletin — Knierim et al. (2019), Spatial ecology study reveals nest attendance and habitat preference of banded kraits ↗
What does the banded krait eat?
The banded krait eats other snakes, lizards and small mammals, according to the Indonesian Herpetological Society, citing a field guide by Cox and colleagues (1998). It is active at night and hunts on the ground. WHO guidance explains that kraits, the genus Bungarus, sometimes enter homes at night in search of prey such as other snakes, lizards, frogs and mice. This habit means encounters with people can happen in or around houses. The genus name Bungarus comes from the Telugu word bangaru, meaning golden, a reference to the banded krait's yellow bands.
Evidence: Perhimpunan Herpetologi Indonesia — Ular Welang (Bungarus fasciatus) (salinan arsip Wayback Machine, April 2026) ↗ · WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia — Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd edition (2016) ↗ · The Reptile Database — Bungarus fasciatus ↗
How does the banded krait breed?
The banded krait lays eggs, about 4–14 at a time according to the Indonesian Herpetological Society, and the female stays with them until they hatch. A telemetry study by Knierim and colleagues (2019) in Thailand confirmed this nest attendance. Two radio-tracked females moved less while attending nests in a shared burrow complex, and 15 hatchlings were seen emerging from the site. In the same study, three adult kraits had average home ranges of about 21 hectares and moved an average of about 47 metres between shelters. The researchers call for further study of banded krait reproduction.
Evidence: Perhimpunan Herpetologi Indonesia — Ular Welang (Bungarus fasciatus) (salinan arsip Wayback Machine, April 2026) ↗ · The Herpetological Bulletin — Knierim et al. (2019), Spatial ecology study reveals nest attendance and habitat preference of banded kraits ↗
Is the banded krait dangerous?
The banded krait is highly venomous and potentially deadly, but bites on people are very rarely recorded. Its venom is neurotoxic, meaning it attacks the nerves. WHO lists it as Category 2 (secondary medical importance) in Indonesia and notes that no banded krait bites are known there. The same guidance says the species rarely, if ever, bites humans. By contrast, deaths from bites by its relative, the Malayan krait, have been reported in Java. Because its venom is potent, it should never be handled. If bitten, seek medical care at a health facility immediately.
Evidence: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia — Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd edition (2016) ↗ · Perhimpunan Herpetologi Indonesia — Ular Welang (Bungarus fasciatus) (salinan arsip Wayback Machine, April 2026) ↗
What should you do if you meet a banded krait?
If you meet a banded krait, keep your distance and do not catch, handle or kill it; call trained officers such as Damkar, the fire and rescue service. Let the snake leave on its own; snakes prefer to avoid people when given the chance. In Greater Jakarta, fire departments are among the groups that respond to snake reports in residential areas, although banded kraits appeared only twice in records from 2015–2019. Because kraits are active at night, WHO advises extra care at night, after rain and during floods, and using a light when walking outside. The banded krait is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Evidence: Media Konservasi — Khoerunisa, Kusrini & Mardiastuti (2021), Diversity of snake rescued from residential areas in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area ↗ · WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia — Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd edition (2016) ↗ · Scientific Reports — Biakzuala et al. (2023), Molecular phylogeny reveals distinct evolutionary lineages of the banded krait ↗
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Banded krait
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Elapidae |
| Genus | Bungarus |
| Species | Bungarus fasciatus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the banded krait
What is the scientific name of the banded krait?
The scientific name of the banded krait is Bungarus fasciatus, in the family Elapidae. In Indonesian it is called Ular welang.
What kind of animal is the banded krait?
The banded krait is a reptile in the family Elapidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of vertebrates: rodents, other snakes, lizards, frogs, fish.
Where does the banded krait live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the banded krait in: Sumatra, Java, Borneo and Bali.
Source-supported habitats: Tropical Rainforests, Freshwater Wetlands, Urban Habitats.
What does the banded krait eat?
Diet of the banded krait: other snakes, lizards and small mammals. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Ecology Asia.
How does the banded krait reproduce?
The banded krait reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the banded krait venomous?
Yes. The banded krait is venomous. Its venom is neurotoxic and potentially lethal, although bites are rarely recorded in Indonesia. Source: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the banded krait nocturnal?
The cited source records the banded krait as nocturnal (active at night). Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What are the main features of the banded krait?
Key features of the banded krait, from this guide’s sources: Key feature: bands ring the belly; triangular body cross-section; Length: up to 225 cm.
Is the banded krait dangerous to people?
Neurotoxic venom; bites very rarely recorded.
Do not approach, catch or handle wild animals. If you are injured or bitten, get medical care at a health facility straight away.
What is the scientific classification of the banded krait?
Scientific classification of the banded krait: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Elapidae, genus Bungarus, species Bungarus fasciatus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the banded krait endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the banded krait is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the banded krait is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- The Reptile Database — Bungarus fasciatus ↗
- Perhimpunan Herpetologi Indonesia — Ular Welang (Bungarus fasciatus) (salinan arsip Wayback Machine, April 2026) ↗
- The Herpetological Bulletin — Knierim et al. (2019), Spatial ecology study reveals nest attendance and habitat preference of banded kraits ↗
- Scientific Reports — Biakzuala et al. (2023), Molecular phylogeny reveals distinct evolutionary lineages of the banded krait ↗
- WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia — Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd edition (2016) ↗
- Media Konservasi — Khoerunisa, Kusrini & Mardiastuti (2021), Diversity of snake rescued from residential areas in Greater Jakarta Metropolitan Area ↗
- Ecology Asia ↗
- ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
- WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
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PanduanHewan. Banded krait (Bungarus fasciatus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/banded-krait/