Reptile & Amphibian Forums

...which kraitspecies is living among humans and therefore
causing many snake bites?

Bungarus caeruleus probably causes the most bites of any Krait species, and they're the most toxic also. I have kept B. caeruleus, B.sindanus (if that is valid), B. fasciatus, B. candidus, B. multicinctus, and the ones most willing to try and get me were the caeruleus. It is probably next to impossible to tell which one causes the most bites, as alot of the countries where they're found have poor medical facilities, and alot of people don't realise they were bitten until they wake up in the morning paralised.

Chad

If the countries where Bungarus bites are frequent had a readily available supply of Tiger snake (Notechis sp.) A/V, alot of lives would be saved.

Chad

Well Chad you seem pretty knowledgable and I am severly interested in elapids. could you recommend a good book about elapid venom. especially aspidelaps sp.

Handbook of clinical toxicology of animal venoms and poisons is a great book on venoms, plus it has some interesting case histories in it. It's published by CRC Press.

Chad

that B. caeruleus is probably responsible for more human envenomations, however, the most toxic Bungarus species is B. multicinctus, (Many banded or Chinese krait), with an LD50 of 0.108 in comparison to B. caeruleus' LD50 of 0.365.

Cheers,

Derek K.

Thats new to me.

Thanks,
Chad

In addition: I am still of the belief that B. sindanus is a valid taxon, however, in the world of Taxonomy, who knows how long this will stand.

Cheers,

Derek K.

I have no idea, but are you gonna be at any Hamburg shows this year? Ya'll are great guys to hang out with, if someone has the time.

Hope to see Ya!
Chad

Wanting to look more into venoms & effects of venoms...LOL.

I've always loved your post's. Keep posting!!!!

Take care,
Chad Bachman