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Lycophidion variegatum (Variegated wolf snake)
Bont 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 Variegated wolf snake can be identified by its speckled
patterning, its small slender body, a flattened head and its nocturnal
lifestyle. It grows to an average length of 36 cm but can reach a maximum length
of 43 cm.
Distribution and habitat
Found in Limpopo, Swaziland and parts of
Zimbabwe. its favoured habitat is moist savanna where it is often encountered on
rocky outcrops.
Food
Eats lizards (particularly skinks).
Predators, parasites and disease
Eaten by other snakes.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), lays between 2 and 3 eggs.
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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