The common wolf snake is a non-venomous snake species found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. They are commonly found in urban areas. Wolf snakes produce venom, but it is so weak that many claim they are basically nonvenomous. The venom is delivered via fangs at the back of the mouth. This means that if the snake bites, it will need to hold on and chew to inject venom.
Though wolf snakes are venomous, this venom is relatively mild. Most bites result in pain and swelling but not serious harm. Wolf snakes are nervous when handled and will bite. They are named for large teeth in both jaws giving a muzzled appearance similar to canines.
The Oriental Wolf Snake, also known as Lycodon capucinus, is a non-venomous species found in Southeast Asia. It has a slender body, smooth dorsal scales in 15-15-13 rows, rounded ventral scales numbering 155-167, and a short, tapered tail.
Wolf snakes pick up scent molecules to hunt prey. Once found, they grab prey, hold it with front fangs, then swallow whole. They are not aggressive towards humans but are high-strung and quick to bite.
The Indian Wolf Snake, or Lycodon aulicus, is native to the Indian subcontinent. It resembles the venomous common krait in an instance of Batesian mimicry. Despite the name it is not related to wolves but is a harmless colubrid. It has become a curiosity due to unique features and behaviors like striking coloration, nocturnal habits, feigning death, and mimicking venomous snakes.
What does a wolf snake eat?
The common wolf snake is a small, brown, nocturnal snake found in Southeast Asia. It eats frogs, geckos and lizards. Wolf snakes have enlarged teeth like fangs of a wolf. They are non-venomous snakes which mimic venomous snakes. These snakes inhabit scrublands, deserts and grasslands. They are around 18 to 34 inches in length with an olive brown color. They lead a solitary life and are aggressive when threatened. Their lifespan is around 10 years. Some interesting facts – wolf snakes have 17 rows of scales on their body and they feed on frogs.
How do you tell the difference between a krait and a wolf snake?
The primary difference between the wolf snake and the krait is their size and habitats. Wolf snakes are small, between 4 and 5 inches. Kraits reach 4 feet. Wolf snakes live on the ground. Kraits live in trees and logs.
There are differences in size and stripes. A wolf snake grows to 2.5 feet; a krait grows to 6 feet (average 3.5 feet). A young krait can resemble a wolf snake. However, wolf snake stripes are broader than a krait’s, with darker scales. Moreover, a krait has paired stripes. A wolf snake’s stripes are not paired. Also, wolf snakes have a broad neck stripe absent in kraits.
Can wolf snakes climb walls? No. Are kraits poisonous? Yes. What is the difference in appearance between them? Wolf snakes have broader, flatter heads and thicker bands. Kraits have large hexagonal back scales. Why “wolf”? For their large teeth. Where found? Deserts, grasslands and woods.
A deadly case of mimicry between a banded krait and a wolf snake presents a dilemma. After discovering many snake species, the SnakeID team finds a dangerous wolf snake that mimics the deadly krait.
There is much confusion between the two in India. After moving to Kerala, I met many snakes, even carrying a baby cobra unknowingly. Kraits have thin neck bands unlike wolf snakes with thick collared neck bands.
Color helps differentiate. Kraits are black with white bands, finding most bands posteriorly. Wolf snakes are gray-brown with uniform white bands, prominently headed.
In summary, broader wolf snake head and bands versus large hexagonal krait back scales indicate the difference. While baby kraits are venomous, both have led to confusion and danger. Proper identification is key to safety.
How big do African wolf snakes get?
Wolf snakes are around three feet long. These snakes have a relatively square snout because of their uniquely shaped teeth. They are non-venomous but can bite aggressively when handled.
Female African House Snakes are usually about 3 to 4 feet long. Meanwhile, males are around 2 to 3 feet. At birth, most are 8 to 12 inches long.
The scrub python found in Australia is the largest snake species there, reaching up to 8 meters long. The African rock python is Africa’s largest snake, growing over 20 feet long. Anacondas are the biggest snakes in South America, reaching 30 feet and weighing 250 kilograms.
The Cape wolf snake lives around 15 to 20 years. African file snakes grow approximately 3 to 4 feet long from head to tail. File snakes spend nearly their entire lives in water.
The fastest snake is the black mamba, moving at 12.5 miles per hour. The longest venomous snake worldwide is the king cobra which grows to 18 feet. Black mambas live throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
Though wolf snakes’ venom is mild, they inject it when biting. Bites cause pain and swelling but no serious harm. These snakes are nocturnal but active at daybreak. In captivity, they can become tame with proper handling.