Identifying characteristics of venomous snakes in Vietnam (Part 2)

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - This article will guide readers on how to identify some venomous snake species in Vietnam based on their characteristics, helping people to avoid them and prevent unfortunate accidents.

Snakes in general, and venomous snakes in particular, are distributed throughout Vietnam, in many different terrains, including plains, midlands, tropical forests, high mountains, and even in marine environments.

Among the venomous snake species in Vietnam, many are found even in densely populated areas. Identifying venomous snakes can help reduce the risk of snakebites and prevent unfortunate accidents.

Below are some venomous snake species with easily identifiable characteristics in Vietnam. Based on these characteristics, readers can identify them if they encounter a snake entering their home or living area, and take appropriate action.

The Malayan pit viper - A snake species likened to a "living mine" in Vietnam.

The Malayan pit viper ( scientific name Calloselasma rhodostoma), also known by several other names such as the Malayan pit viper, Malaysian pit viper, etc., is a venomous snake belonging to the pit viper family.

The Malayan pit viper is commonly distributed in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and parts of Indonesia.

In Vietnam, the Malayan pit viper is distributed in the South Central region, the Central Highlands, and the Southeast region, with the most common and frequently encountered areas being Binh Thuan, Ninh Thuan, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, and Nui Cam - An Giang .

The Malayan pit viper is easily recognizable by its symmetrical triangular pattern, which forms a butterfly shape on its body (Photo: Nguyen Chi Lam).

The Malayan pit viper is commonly found in rubber plantations, melaleuca forests, eucalyptus forests, abandoned agricultural land with abundant grass, and orchards. Notably, Malayan pit vipers are sometimes found in inhabited areas because they often chase rats, a favorite food source for this snake species.

Adult these snakes typically range in length from 70 to 90 cm, sometimes reaching 1 meter, with females usually being larger than males. The Malayan pit viper has a distinct head and neck, with a large, triangular head.

A very distinctive feature of this snake is the symmetrical brown triangular patterns along its back, forming a shape resembling butterfly wings. The snake's body is yellowish-gray or brown.

The coloration of the Malayan pit viper makes it very difficult to spot in its hiding places (Photo: SIFASV).

The Malayan pit viper often hides under piles of dry leaves. Due to its body coloration, it is difficult to spot this snake in areas with abundant dry leaves, especially in plantations. Malayan pit vipers can also be found under tree hollows, rocks, etc.

While other snakes, including venomous ones, usually try to hide when humans approach, the krait snake curls up and lies still in a pile of dry leaves instead of fleeing. If a human accidentally steps on it or touches it, the krait will strike, then curl up again and remain still, ready to attack again.

The video shows the passive attack pattern of the Malayan pit viper (Video: Viet Jungle School).

The very act of lying still in place for self-defense, instead of fleeing when feeling threatened, is the origin of the Malayan pit viper's nickname, "living mine."

The Malayan pit viper is a venomous snake that possesses enzymes toxic to cells and affecting the blood (hemotoxicity), capable of destroying red blood cells and tissue, causing severe pain and bleeding.

Because the Malayan pit viper is easily identifiable by its distinctive body patterns and colors, people can proactively avoid confrontation or take appropriate action when encountering this snake in the wild or in their living environment.

Malayan pit vipers were spotted on the roadside in Phan Thiet city, Binh Thuan province (Video: SIFASV).

Cobra - A venomous snake with distinctive black and white stripes.

The krait (scientific name Bungarus) is the common name for a genus of snakes belonging to the cobra family, possessing a deadly venom.

In Vietnam, there are two species of banded krait snakes distributed, including the northern banded krait (scientific name Bungarus multicunctus) and the southern banded krait (scientific name Bungarus candidus).

The image shows the difference between the southern and northern krait snakes. Both have distinctive black and white bands and a raised dorsal ridge (Photo: TL).

The names "northern krait" and "southern krait" refer to the distribution range of these two snake species. The northern krait is mainly distributed from Nghe An province northward, while the southern krait is distributed from central to southern provinces of Vietnam.

Northern krait snakes typically live in lowland and mountainous areas at altitudes of around 1,300m. They usually inhabit dense bushes, woodlands, mangrove forests, rice paddies, etc.

The southern krait typically lives in tropical rainforests, damp soil near water sources, rice paddies, and agricultural land. This species is usually found at altitudes of 250 to 300 meters, rarely at altitudes above 1,500 meters above sea level.

Both species of krait snakes are distinguished by their bodies, which are marked with alternating black and white stripes, a triangular body shape, and a raised dorsal ridge.

A close-up of a male banded krait with black and white bands and a triangular dorsal ridge (Photo: TNP).

Adult northern krait snakes can range in length from 1 to 1.5 meters, occasionally reaching 1.8 meters, but this is rare. Southern krait snakes are smaller, ranging from 0.8 to 1.3 meters in length, and can reach 1.6 meters, but this is also very rare.

The southern krait is a nocturnal snake that lives and hunts at night. They are usually slow and shy during the day.

This species of snake has a very dangerous characteristic: it likes to hide in narrow spaces. Therefore, they can slither into houses and hide in secluded places such as corners, under cabinets, under beds, or sometimes even under pillows on the bed.

Although these snakes do not actively attack humans, because they often hide in secluded and hard-to-see places in the house, if people accidentally touch or step on them, they can be bitten by a krait.

The moment a cobra crawled onto a bed during the night in Lam Dong (Video: Lee Nan).

This snake's bite is usually not very painful; in fact, the bite can be so mild that people sleeping soundly may not even realize they've been bitten. This can be dangerous for victims, because they don't know they've been bitten by a venomous snake and therefore won't get to the hospital in time.

The krait is a snake that possesses neurotoxic venom. Even if a conscious person is bitten, the bite will only cause a slight itching and numbness, without swelling or pain, leading many to underestimate the severity of the bite.

However, the krait is considered one of the most venomous land snakes. Without prompt medical attention, the krait's venom can affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as drooping eyelids, chest pain, general body aches, weakness in the limbs, loss of voice, difficulty breathing, and ultimately death.

The coloration and external appearance of the krait are quite similar to species belonging to the genus Lycodon (also known as wolf snake). This is a genus of water snakes, with body coloration also consisting of white and black bands.

Morphological variations of the Indochinese banded krait, a harmless snake but resembling a cobra (Photo: Nguyen Van Tan).

Identifying and distinguishing between kraits and banded kraits is not simple, even for experienced snake handlers. Therefore, when encountering snakes with white and black bands on their bodies, people should proactively stay away from them, rather than trying to identify and differentiate whether they are venomous or not.

Krait - A venomous snake with distinctive yellow and black bands.

The banded krait, scientifically known as Bungarus fasciatus, is another species of snake belonging to the krait genus, family Cobra. This snake is found in many areas of Asia, including Vietnam.

In Vietnam, this snake species is widely distributed throughout the country, inhabiting terrains from plains and midlands to mountainous areas. They typically live in termite mounds, rodent burrows, tree hollows, and under rocks.

A krait snake with a body featuring distinctive black and yellow bands and a raised dorsal ridge (Photo: Sourish Kuttalam).

The banded krait is a large snake, averaging 1.8 meters in length and reaching a maximum length of 2.3 meters, but it is rarely seen. The banded krait is distinguished by its yellow and black bands all over its body. The head is black with two yellow markings forming an arrow shape.

However, the coloration of the banded krait can vary depending on its habitat; for example, the yellow parts may become lighter and tend to turn white, similar to the cobra.

Like the krait, the banded krait has a triangular body with a raised dorsal ridge.

The banded krait is also a nocturnal snake, feeding on fish, frogs, rodents, small reptiles, and other snakes smaller than themselves. Banded kraits don't hunt their prey; instead, they lie in wait for prey to pass by before attacking and devouring it.

The tapered, non-pointed tail is also a distinguishing feature of the banded krait (Photo: iNatural).

Cobras are known to be attracted to and follow firelight, so they may appear at campfires used by hikers, mountaineers, or those camping overnight.

The krait is an extremely venomous snake with potent neurotoxin that can be fatal if not treated promptly. Therefore, if you encounter a snake with the characteristics described above, maintain a safe distance and do not attempt to approach or catch it to avoid being bitten.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/nhung-loai-ran-doc-co-dac-diem-de-nhan-dang-tai-viet-nam-phan-2-20250315090812686.htm