Was raking some dead leaves in the garden, & noticed a snake under the leaves.  about 1" thick, exactly like photos of banded krait, except that the colours were black & dull orange bands.  Had the distinct ridge to its back.  Sorry no photos.  It was lethargic as kraits are described during the day in my book, & slowly slithered away.  I was not lethargic & stepped quickly away.....

Anyone know about banded kraits here having bands other than yellow?

I'm pretty sure the have white/black bands aswell. Not sure about your one, but until you are sure i'd steer well clear until you are sure....kraits are very nasty.

Maybe a Mangrove snake often mistaken for a banded krait.

Edited July 29, 201015 yr by PoorSucker

Maybe a Mangrove snake often mistaken for a banded krait.

Not a mangrove snake, had those before, killed by the dogs.  The black & orange bands were of equal width.  I didn't see the head.  some kind of  wolf snake?

Maybe a Mangrove snake often mistaken for a banded krait.

Not a mangrove snake, had those before, killed by the dogs. The black & orange bands were of equal width. I didn't see the head. some kind of wolf snake?

Banded Krait

All serpents will vary in colouration depending on their surroundings. But, their basic markings remain fairly constant. I wouldn't doubt you saw a krait. They are nasty business if they get pissed off.

The ones up by us are all Black and White stripes.

A picture would have helped.

But Kraits don't ever have ridges. Uniform bands all around.

But Kraits don't ever have ridges.

poppycock !

All Banded Kraits have a 'ridge'... as they are almost triangular in section..

OP, yes.. the dull orange is not out of the ordinary. As IanForbes already said, most snake species can vary in their colouration depending on their age &/or habitat.

A picture would have helped.

Will try & rig up some kind of "rake-cam" next time 

Thanks for the replies.

Will put my wellies on next time