Cape Wolf Snake

Name

Cape Wolf Snake [Lycophidion capense]

Class

Reptilia

Order

Squamata

Family

Colubridae

Subspecies

A number of sub-species exist across the range

Length_F

558 mm

Length_M

440 mm

Description

The Cape Wolf Snake is a small snake that grows larger in the southern part of its range. It has a flattened head. Colouration is usually uniform dark brown to black, sometimes with each scale white-tipped and a white- or black-speckled belly.

Distribution

The Cape Wolf Snake is found throughout most of the subcontinent, except the Namib Desert and most of the Cape. There are isolated records from the Southern Cape and the Southern Namib Desert and elsewhere, through Eastern Africa to Egypt.

Breeding

The female lays 3 - 9 eggs in early summer; they may hatch in only 51 days. Hatchlings measure about 120 mm.

Diet

Skinks and Lizards are commonly eaten and are bitten and constricted.

Field Notes

The Cape Wolf Snake is non-venomous.
Kruger National Park - South African Safari