Lycodon capucinus
Lycodon capucinus, also known as the Oriental wolf snake, is a species of colubrid snake, which is commonly found in the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Named after their enlarged front teeth, which gives them a muzzled appearance similar to canines, it also makes the snout somewhat more squarish than other snakes.
Oriental wolf snakes are small mildly venomous snakes named after their enlarged front teeth, which give them a muzzled appearance similar to canines. Their color patterns vary from one geographic location to another and the general coloration is adapted for life underground and on the forest floor. Shades of jet black, reddish-brown or dark gray with speckles, blotches, and spots of white or pale yellow scattered over the body are their usual colors. There is also a distinct white coloration around the neck. There are albino-colored ones which are very rare among this snake species. The snout of these snakes is duck-bill-shaped for digging in soft or sandy ground. Like many other colubrids, they possess true fangs near the rear of their mouths and they will use these to inject venom into their prey. However, this species is not harmful to humans.
Oriental wolf snakes are found in the Indo-Australian Archipelago. They live in tropical rainforests, plantations, gardens, suburban and urban areas.
Oriental wolf snakes are home both in trees and on the ground. They love burrowing down the earth but are most often found in open ground, on rocks, or in low vegetation. They are solitary and nocturnal creatures; they are most active during the night, but may also be seen during daylight hours. Though Oriental wolf snakes are not dangerous, they are quite nervous creatures and when picked up or handled they will not hesitate to bite. They may also move their tails in a to-and-fro motion much like a rattlesnake when they feel threatened.
Oriental wolf snakes are carnivores. They feed mainly on small lizards such as geckos and they are also among the top predators of skinks. They may also devour small frogs, if available.
Little is known about the reproductive habits of Oriental wolf snakes. Generally, wolf snakes lay between 3 and 11 eggs per clutch. The young hatch fully-developed and are completely independent at birth.
Although Oriental wolf snakes are common throughout their range they are endangered in numerous parts of mainland Asia and peninsular Southeast Asia. The continuous destruction of primary and secondary forests, conversion of fertile lands to agricultural and residential areas as well as indiscriminate human killings can threaten the survival of this species.
According to IUCN, the Oriental wolf snake is common throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are stable.
