Black Mamba vs Red-headed Krait
How does the Black Mamba compare to the Red-headed Krait? They are both members of the Elapidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.


Side-by-side comparison
- Scientific name
- Dendroaspis polylepis
- Bungarus flaviceps
- Classification
- Reptile
- Reptile
- Family
- Elapidae
- Elapidae
- Habitat
- Savanna and woodland
- Tropical and subtropical forests, especially lowland rainforests near water sources
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Carnivore
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 11-20 years
- 10-15 years
- Weight
- 1.6-2.5 kg
- 0.3-1.2 kg
Black Mamba vs Red-headed Krait: who would win?

Black Mamba
1.6-2.5 kg

Red-headed Krait
0.3-1.2 kg
Black Mamba wins moderate confidence
Black Mamba is substantially heavier (1.6-2.5 kg vs 0.3-1.2 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
Similarities
- Both are reptiles.
- Both belong to the Elapidae family.
- Both have a carnivore diet.
- Both are listed as Least Concern.
Differences
- Habitat: Savanna and woodland vs Tropical and subtropical forests, especially lowland rainforests near water sources.
- Weight: 1.6-2.5 kg vs 0.3-1.2 kg.
Black Mamba vs Red-headed Krait: FAQ
Who would win in a fight, a Black Mamba or a Red-headed Krait?
Black Mamba wins. Black Mamba is substantially heavier (1.6-2.5 kg vs 0.3-1.2 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.
What is the difference between a Black Mamba and a Red-headed Krait?
Black Mamba and Red-headed Krait differ in several ways — habitat: savanna and woodland vs tropical and subtropical forests, especially lowland rainforests near water sources. weight: 1.6-2.5 kg vs 0.3-1.2 kg.
Do Black Mamba and Red-headed Krait live in the same habitat?
No — Black Mamba lives in savanna and woodland, while Red-headed Krait is found in tropical and subtropical forests, especially lowland rainforests near water sources.
What do Black Mamba and Red-headed Krait eat?
Both Black Mamba and Red-headed Krait have a carnivore diet.
Which is more endangered, the Black Mamba or the Red-headed Krait?
Black Mamba is listed as Least Concern, while Red-headed Krait is listed as Least Concern.
How big are Black Mamba and Red-headed Krait?
Black Mamba weighs around 1.6-2.5 kg, while Red-headed Krait weighs around 0.3-1.2 kg.

Full profile
Black Mamba

Full profile
Red-headed Krait







