Colubridae
Laotian Wolf Snake
HarmlessLycodon laoensis
6 photographs of the Laotian Wolf Snake. © James Hunt.
The Laotian Wolf Snake (Lycodon laoensis) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 9 countries.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Laotian Wolf Snake
Lycodon laoensis, commonly known as the Laotian wolf snake, is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake endemic to Asia.
Geographic range
It is found in India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, China (Yunnan), West Malaysia and Myanmar.
Description
Dorsally it is dark brown, with a whitish or yellowish crossband on the occiput, and similar body crossbands which bifurcate on the sides. Ventrally it is whitish. Adults are about .5 m (20 inches) in total length, which includes the tail of about 10 cm (4 inches).
They are nocturnal, and generally ground dwelling. They are not very aggressive and generally reluctant to bite.
Like other Wolf Snakes, they can be mistaken for the venomous Banded Kraits.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Laotian Wolf Snake
- Is the Laotian Wolf Snake venomous?
- No. The Laotian Wolf Snake (Lycodon laoensis) 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 Laotian Wolf Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Laotian Wolf Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Laotian Wolf Snake dangerous?
- The Laotian Wolf Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Laotian Wolf Snake live?
- The Laotian Wolf Snake has verified records in 9 countries, including Thailand, Viet Nam, Cambodia. See the distribution section below for its full range.
Where it is found
More Colubridae snakes
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
- Colubridae
- GenusA close-knit group of very similar species
- Lycodon
- SpeciesThis exact snake, named in the two-part scientific name
- Lycodon laoensis
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.
Distribution from GBIF & iNaturalist. Venom status per CDC. Background: Wikipedia. Informational only. Never handle a snake to identify it.