Lycodon flavomaculatus

Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake is a rare species of Lycodon (genus of Wolf Snakes) found in dry parts of central-western peninsular India and few localities of Western Ghats. Before description it was assumed to be a color variety of Common Wolf Snake (L. aulicus) but later Wall in 1907 described it as a different species after taking specimens from Dharwad, Pune, Sangli etc. Morphologically it often looks close to Barred Wolf Snake (L. striatus) which also bears yellow color spots on the top of blackish dorsal. Can be identified by checking yellow color buttercup shaped spots on the top of dark dorsal body, often in the form of fine bands instead of spots.

DIAGNOSTIC CHARACTERES

Head:

Supralabial 9; 3rd to 5th contact with eyes; loreal 1, in contact with internasal; preocular 1; postocular 2; temporal 2+3.

Dorsal: 

Smooth and similar shaped scales in 17:17:15 rows.

Ventral: 

165-183; not angulated; anal divided.

Sub Caudal: 

53-63; paired. 

REPRODUCTION

Oviparous. Not specific is known about breeding. New born seen during monsoon which indicates egg lying is done during summer months. 

SIZE

Average length- 40cm

Maximum length- 52cm

MORPHOLOGY

Dorsal:

Body slender with smooth & shiny scales of dark brown, dark chocolate brown or jet black with purple ting. Vibrant yellow color butter-cup shaped spots present of top from neck to end of the tail. On both side of these spots fine bands or dots present this gives it overall appearance of a banded snake. In many specimens either fine bands present or rounded spots without any fine lines joining with side dorsals.

Ventral:

Belly glossy white without any pattern, in many individuals’ outer edge of ventral scales near dorsals have grayish shade. Subcaudal scales paired in zig-zag manner.

Head:

Head flattened, broader than neck and covered with smooth and glossy scales. Color pattern less black. A yellow rounded spot present on nape which is first pattern of dorsal body and continue as band on moving posteriorly. Eyes entirely black in appearance with vertically elliptical pupil. Tongue color pinkish-red.

Tail:

Covered with smooth scales with dorsal markings in small scale. Length normal as typical range with pointed tip.

Lookslikes Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Travancore Wolf Snake (Lycodon travancoricus), and Barred Wolf Snake (Lycodon striatus)

BEHAVIOUR

Yellow-spotted Wolf Snake is a nocturnal species which shows activity both on ground and heights of rocks (prefers ground). Behaviour shy and non-offensive (much docile that most of the Wolf Snakes). On provocation initially try to escape; later it makes coil or ball of whole body to hide its head under it as a defensive response. Feeds on geckos, skinks and small rodents.

VENOMOSITY

Harmless.

GENERAL HABITAT

Remain hidden in narrow cracks or under heavy objects during day time. Found in dry and mixed deciduous and semi-desert forests of Central-western India. Lives mainly in rocky terrain, lands having cracks, human habitation etc. This is also confined in urban environment and modified habitats. Juveniles occasionally seen under the rock lay on the ground.