Grey-bellied Wolf Snake

The Grey-bellied Wolf Snake, also known as the Barred Wolf Snake, is a small nocturnal colubrid distributed from the Middle East through South Asia. Its banded pattern often causes it to be mistaken for a juvenile krait, leading to unnecessary alarm.

Despite this resemblance, it is entirely non-venomous and harmless to humans, playing a beneficial role by preying on small lizards including geckos in and around human settlements.

• Slender body with alternating dark brown and white or cream bands, especially pronounced near the head
• Grayish ventral surface, giving rise to its common name
• Smooth scales and a flattened head
• Enlarged front teeth characteristic of the genus Lycodon
• Round pupils

Distinguished from venomous banded kraits by its smaller size, round pupils, and lack of the krait's distinctive smooth, hexagonal vertebral scale row.

Occurs in dry scrubland, rocky terrain, agricultural areas, and human settlements from the Middle East through Pakistan and India. It frequently shelters in cracks, under rocks, and within buildings.

Nocturnal, emerging after dark to forage. It is generally docile but may bite if handled, though this is not medically significant.

Feeds primarily on geckos and small lizards, gripped using enlarged front teeth. Reproduction is oviparous, with small clutches of eggs laid in sheltered locations.