Lycodon laoensis

Lycodon laoensis, commonly known as the Laotian wolf snake, is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake endemic to Asia.

Lycodon laoensis
specimen at Khao Chamao Waterfall, Khao Chamao–Khao Wong National Park
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Colubridae
Genus:	Lycodon
Species:	L. laoensis
Binomial name
Lycodon laoensis Günther, 1864
Synonyms
Ophites laoensis - Zhao & Adler, 1993[2]

Geographic range

Lycodon laoensis from Kaeng Krachan National Park

It is found in India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, China (Yunnan), and West Malaysia.

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).^[3]

They are nocturnal, and generally ground dwelling. They are not very aggressive and generally reluctant to bite.^[4]

Like other Wolf Snakes, they can be mistaken for the venomous Banded Kraits.^[4]