Lycophidion nanum (Dwarf wolf snake)

Lycophidion nanum (Dwarf wolf snake)

Dwergwolfslang [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 Dwarf wolf snake can be identified a white band on the snout, a flattened head, its small eyes with vertical pupils and its small size. This snake grows to an average length of 23 cm and a maximum length of 30 cm.

Distribution and habitat

This snake is only found in a narrow east-west band in central Mozambique. Its favoured habitat is miombo woodland.

Food

Eats amphisbaenids in the Chirindia genus.

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.

References

Broadley, D.G. 1983. FitzSimons' Snakes of Southern Africa. Delta Books, Johannesburg.
Marais, J. 2004. A Complete Guide to Snakes of Southern Africa. Struik Publishing, Cape Town.