The banded adder is a venomous snake with distinctive bands or stripes that run along its body. There are several synonyms for this snake, depending on the region where it is found. In South Africa, the banded adder is also called the Cape adder or the Cape cobra, while in Australia, it is known as the western brown snake or the gwardar. In India, the banded adder is referred to as the common krait, while in Sri Lanka, it is known as the Ceylon krait. Regardless of its name, the banded adder is a dangerous reptile that should be avoided and left to its natural habitat.