Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake
Lycodon flavomaculatus
A nocturnal Asian wolf snake with fine yellow speckling on a dark body, preying chiefly on lizards.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.7 m (1.3-2.3 ft)
- Range
- East and Southeast Asia
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Overview
The Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake is a small nocturnal colubrid found across parts of East and Southeast Asia, distinguished by fine yellow or cream speckling scattered over its dark body, differing from the more uniformly banded pattern of many related wolf snakes.
It is harmless to humans and fills a similar ecological niche to other wolf snakes as a specialist predator of small reptiles.
How to identify it
- Dark brown to blackish body finely speckled with yellow or cream spots rather than distinct bands
- Smooth, glossy scales
- Head slightly distinct from neck, round pupils
- Adults typically 0.4-0.7 m in length
- Speckled pattern differentiates it from the more strongly banded wolf snake species
Habitat & range
Found in forests, plantations, and rural areas across parts of Southeast Asia and southern China, often active at ground level near vegetation cover.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Strictly nocturnal, hunting geckos and other small lizards among leaf litter and low vegetation. It is not aggressive but may bite defensively if disturbed. It is oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake dangerous?
No, it is harmless to humans.
How is it identified?
By the fine yellow or cream speckling scattered over its dark body.
What does it eat?
Mainly geckos and other small lizards.
Where does it live?
In forests and rural areas across parts of East and Southeast Asia.
Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Yellow-speckled Wolf Snake.
