Cape Wolf Snake

About the Cape Wolf Snake

Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

Frequently asked: Cape Wolf Snake

Is the Cape Wolf Snake venomous?

No. The Cape Wolf Snake (Lycophidion capense) is non-venomous and is not considered dangerous to humans. Like most snakes, it will retreat rather than bite when given the chance.

Is the Cape Wolf Snake poisonous?

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Cape Wolf Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.

Is the Cape Wolf Snake dangerous?

The Cape Wolf Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.

Where does the Cape Wolf Snake live?

The Cape Wolf Snake has verified records in 27 countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, United Republic of. See the distribution section below for its full range.

What does the Cape Wolf Snake eat?

They are widely distributed but prefer damp locations, with lowland forest and fynbos being preferred habitats. They feed mostly on geckos and skinks which they bite and kill by constriction. They are believed to reach an age of 15 to 20 years.

Where it is found

More Lamprophiidae snakes

• 
  Pygmy Wolf Snake
  Lycophidion pygmaeum
• 
  Variegated Wolf Snake
  Lycophidion variegatum
• 
  Spotted Wolf Snake
  Lycophidion albomaculatum
• 
  Ornate Wolf Snake
  Lycophidion ornatum
• 
  Flat-snouted Wolf Snake
  Lycophidion depressirostre
• 
  Leach's Wolf Snake
  Lycophidion irroratum
• 
  Red-snouted Wolf Snake
  Lycophidion uzungwense
• 
  Semi-annulated Wolf Snake
  Lycophidion semicinctum

Classification

How scientists group this snake, from the broadest category down to the exact species. Each step narrows to its closest relatives.

OrderThe broad group of scaled reptiles: all snakes and lizards

Squamata

FamilyA group of related snakes that share key traits

Lamprophiidae

GenusA close-knit group of very similar species

Lycophidion

SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name

Lycophidion capense

Keep learning

• What to Do If You Find a SnakeFound a snake at home or on a trail? Here is how to stay calm, give it space, identify it safely, and know when to call a professional.
• Venomous vs Nonvenomous: How to Tell the DifferenceThe folk rules for telling venomous snakes apart, where each one fails, and why location-based identification beats guessing by sight.
• What Is a Snake? Anatomy and the BasicsA clear overview of what makes a snake a snake: limbless body plan, anatomy, evolution from lizards, species diversity, and why they are ectothermic.
• How to Keep Snakes Out of Your Yard and HomeA practical guide to keeping snakes out of your yard and home using habitat changes that work, plus what to skip and what to do if one shows up.