The Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus) is a small to medium-sized colubrid species known for its resemblance to the highly venomous kraits, with dark brown to black body and narrow white or yellowish crossbands. It has smooth scales and a slender body, often found in urban areas, forests, and near human settlements. This nocturnal snake feeds mainly on geckos and small lizards, often entering houses in search of prey.
Common Wolf Snake
Lycodon capucinus
🐍 Non-venomous
Description
Venomous?
Non-venomous. Although it may bite when threatened, its bite is harmless to humans.
A Danger to Humans?
Not aggressive. It may attempt to bite when handled but poses no real danger.
Population Size
Stable
Life Span
-
WEIGHT
30.5 g
LENGTH
The average total length is 400 mm, the maximum is about 760 mm
Ca
Carnivore
No
Nocturnal
Te
Terrestrial
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Chordata
CLASS
:
Reptilia
ORDER
:
Colubridae
FAMILY
:
Reptilia
GENUS
:
Lycodon
SPECIES
:
Lycodon capucinus
Distribution
Lycodon capucinus can be found in community forest areas. This snake is also often found hanging around on tiles or roofs of houses. In Bali it lives in lowland rainforest, monsoon forest, and agricultural land near sea level, preferring areas with low rainfall.
Geography
Continent : Asia
Country : Lycodon capucinus is widespread in Southeast Asia, starting from Myanmar, Laos, Southeast China (Yunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Hong Kong), Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia (Peninsula, Sarawak and Sabah), Indonesia (Sumatra, Bangka-Belitung) , Java, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Buton), Timor Leste, and the Philippines (Bantayan, Cebu, Cuyo, Leyte, Luzon, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Palawan, Panay, Samar)
Habits and Lifestyle
Lycodon capucinus is active at night, and is usually above ground, but is also a good climber, this snake has enlarged teeth in front of the upper jaw, it is from the shape of the teeth that this snake got its name. These teeth were probably used to stab and grab their main prey. During the day, the snake takes shelter under rubble on the ground and pieces of bark.
Lifestyle
Terrestrial
Biome
Lowland rain forest
Climate Zone
Tropical
Diet and Nutrition
The main food of these snakes is lizards, but not infrequently these snakes also eat small mammals, frogs and other reptile eggs.
Diet : Karnivora
Mating Habits
Lycodon capucinus reproduces by laying eggs (ovipar). The number of eggs produced is between 3 and 11
Reproduction session : –
Incubation periods: –
Independent age : at birth
Baby name : –
Baby carrying : 3 – 11 eggs
Population
Population status : Least Concern (LC)
NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Population threats
There is no major threat to this widespread and highly adaptable species. This snake is often killed when it is seen by people who mistake it for a venomous snake.
Population number
This species does not face a major threat and is therefore listed as “least concern” on the IUCN RedList.
PHOTO GALLERY
Reference
- Wogan, G. & Chan-Ard, T. 2012. Lycodon capucinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T192064A2035298
- Lycodon capucinus Wikipedia article
- McKay, J.L. 2006. Reptil and Amphibi di Bali. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA.