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Lycophidion hellmichi (Hellmich's wolf snake)
Hellmich se wolfslang [Afrikaans]
Life >
Eukaryotes
>
Opisthokonta >
Metazoa
(animals) > Bilateria > Deuterostomia >
Chordata >
Craniata > Vertebrata (vertebrates) > Gnathostomata (jawed vertebrates) >
Teleostomi (teleost fish) > Osteichthyes (bony fish) > Class:
Sarcopterygii (lobe-finned fish) > Stegocephalia (terrestrial vertebrates) >
Tetrapoda
(four-legged vertebrates) > Reptiliomorpha > Amniota >
Reptilia (reptiles) >
Romeriida > Diapsida > Lepidosauromorpha > Lepidosauria >
Squamata > Serpentes
(snakes) > Family: Colubridae > Subfamily:
Boodontinae > Genus:
Lycophidion
Identification
This wolf snake species can be identified by its small
size, flattened head and its nocturnal lifestyle. It grows to an average length
of 35 cm but can reach a maximum length of 45 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snake is very rare and is restricted to a small
population in the extreme north east corner of Namibia. It favours rocky areas in
the Namib Desert.
Food
Uncertain probably lizards.
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying)
Longevity
The lifespan of this snake is likely to be between 15 and
20 years.
Medical importance
Non-venomous and not dangerous to man and not likely to
bite.
Links
References
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Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern
Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
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Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of
Southern Africa. Struik Publishing, Cape Town.
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