Banded Krait

The banded krait wears yellow-and-black bands that could pass for a coral snake—if coral snakes lived in Southeast Asia. This convergent evolution demonstrates how the 'language' of warning coloration follows consistent rules across geographic and evolutionary separation. Predators in Thailand respond to banded krait coloration the same way predators in Texas respond to coral snakes: both learn that alternating bright bands mean danger.

The banded krait's behavior adds complexity to its honest signaling. It's remarkably docile during the day, reluctant to bite even when handled, leading to the dangerous misconception that it's harmless. At night, when hunting, it becomes an effective predator of other snakes with potent neurotoxic venom. This day-night behavioral switch means the warning coloration must communicate danger that isn't always immediately apparent—predators must learn to respect the signal even when the current encounter seems safe.

For business strategy, the banded krait illustrates how competitive signals must communicate dormant capability, not just current threat. A company in cost-cutting mode may seem vulnerable, but experienced competitors recognize that reserves exist and aggressive response capability remains. Inexperienced competitors—like naive predators handling daytime kraits—may mistake quietude for weakness and suffer consequences when the situation changes.

The krait's triangular cross-section (visible backbone ridge) provides another recognition feature beyond coloration. Multiple independent signals reinforce the warning—like a company with patents AND brand recognition AND regulatory relationships. Redundant signaling ensures the message gets through even if one channel fails to register with the observer.