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Lycophidion multimaculatum (Spotted wolf snake)
Gespikkelde 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
The spotted wolf snake can be identified by its flattened
head, its small size, its dark irregular colouration and its nocturnal lifestyle.
It grows to an average length of 35 cm but can reach up to 53 cm in length.
Distribution and habitat
This snake is only found in the Caprivi strip. Its favoured
habitat is moist savanna.
Food
Eats lizards (particularly skinks)
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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