Travancore wolf snake
A species of Wolf snakes Scientific name : Lycodon travancoricus Genus : Wolf snakes
Travancore wolf snake, A species of Wolf snakes
Scientific name: Lycodon travancoricus
Genus: Wolf snakes
Content
Description General Info
Photo By L. Shyamal , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Lycodon travancoricus, commonly known as the Travancore wolf snake, is a species of colubrid snake.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Travancore wolf snake predominantly preys on a variety of invertebrates, with a keen preference for arthropods. Their diet significantly comprises insects such as beetles and crickets, along with occasional consumption of spiders.
Appearance
Travancore wolf snake is a small, slender snake with a length of around 40cm. Possessing an iridescent, smooth and shiny skin, it is primarily dark brown, almost black, with white bands prevalent on its upper body. Its head is visibly distinct from the neck and is adorned with black eyes. A peculiar tail with white tip offers an uncanny resemblance to its head, likely for defense purposes. No significant differences exist in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Primarily nocturnal, travancore wolf snake exhibits a secretive lifestyle, often hiding during the day. This snake shows remarkable climber skills, utilizing trees for hunting and resting. Its solitary nature is marked by scarce social interactions and sharp territorial instincts. Foraging habits involve hunting for small vertebrates. Unlike other species, travancore wolf snake employ a peculiar tactic of curling itself into a coiled ball when threatened, with head at the center, to protect vital organs.
Photo By L. Shyamal , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Colubrids Genus
Wolf snakes Species
Travancore wolf snake