Romulus’ Krait

Romulus’ Krait is a newly discovered species of snake named after Romulus Whittaker (also known as ‘the Snake Man of India’). Also called Bungarus romulusi, it was being confused with the common krait till now. Recent analysis of the snakes’ genetic profile revealed that they are distinct species. The find is significant as the venom of the Romulus krait is about 6 times as potent as the venom of the common krait and Indian anti-venoms are ineffective against it.