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Lycophidion namibianum (Namibian wolf snake)
Namibwolfslang [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 Namibian wolf snake can be identified by its small
size, its flattened head and its nocturnal lifestyle. It grows to an average
length of 36 cm and a maximum length of 59 cm.
Distribution and habitat
This snakes distribution is restricted to north east
Namibia. its favoured habitat is karoo scrub in the Namib Desert.
Food
Eats 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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