Colubridae
Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake
HarmlessLycodon flavomaculatus
The Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake (Lycodon flavomaculatus) is a non-venomous snake in the Colubridae family, recorded in 1 country.
- Family
- Colubridae
About the Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake
Lycodon flavomaculatus, commonly called the yellow-spotted wolf snake, is a species of colubrid snake found in the Western Ghats of India.
Description
Dorsally Lycodon flavimaculatus is shiny black with a series of yellow vertebral spots. Beside each spot whitish crossbars descend the flanks, beginning about the same width as the spots then widening. The spots are about 2 scales long, separated by intervals of 4 or 5 scales. The dorsal surface of the head is black, and the lips are white. The entire venter of the snake is white.
At first glance, it resembles Lampropeltis getula, the Eastern kingsnake of the United States.
The yellow-spotted wolf snake is a small snake. Adults are about 35 cm (13¾ inches) in length.
Dorsal scales in 17 rows on neck and at midbody, in 15 rows posteriorly. Ventrals 165–182, not angulate; anal plate divided; subcaudals 53–62, divided.
Head slightly distinct from neck. Snout rounded and somewhat flattened. Nine upper labials, of which only the first contacts the nasal.
Adapted from Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.
Frequently asked: Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake
- Is the Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake venomous?
- No. The Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake (Lycodon flavomaculatus) 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 Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake poisonous?
- Snakes are venomous, not poisonous. "Poisonous" means harmful to eat or touch; "venomous" means injecting toxins through a bite. The Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake is neither poisonous nor venomous.
- Is the Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake dangerous?
- The Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake is not dangerous to humans. It has no medically significant venom and bites only defensively if cornered or handled.
- Where does the Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake live?
- The Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake has verified records in 1 country, including India. 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 flavomaculatus
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.