Spotted Wolf Snake

The Spotted Wolf Snake is a small nocturnal colubrid found across parts of South and Southeast Asia, belonging to the genus Lycodon, commonly called wolf snakes for their prominent, wolf-like front teeth used to grip smooth-scaled prey such as geckos.

Despite sometimes being confused with venomous kraits due to superficial banding in related species, the Spotted Wolf Snake is entirely non-venomous and harmless to humans.

• Small, slender body with a series of dark spots or blotches along a lighter background
• Smooth scales and a flattened head slightly distinct from the neck
• Enlarged, tooth-like anterior maxillary teeth visible on close inspection
• Round pupils, unlike the elliptical pupils of some venomous nocturnal species
• White or cream underside

Distinguished from banded Lycodon species by its spotted rather than banded pattern, and from venomous kraits by its round pupils and single row of large ventral scales pattern typical of harmless colubrids.

Found in forests, scrublands, and human-modified habitats such as villages and plantations across parts of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Often shelters under bark, leaf litter, and debris.

Strictly nocturnal, emerging at night to hunt. It is generally non-aggressive but may bite defensively if handled, though this poses no medical danger.

Feeds primarily on geckos and other small lizards, gripped firmly by its enlarged front teeth. Reproduction is oviparous, with small clutches of eggs laid in concealed, humid locations.