Twin-Spotted Wolf Snake
Lycodon jara
A small, harmless nocturnal colubrid with paired dark spots and enlarged front teeth resembling those of venomous species.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.4-0.6 m (1.3-2 ft)
- Range
- Northeast India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia
Found a snake like this?
Identify any snake from a photo, free.
Overview
The Twin-Spotted Wolf Snake is a modestly sized, non-venomous colubrid found in the forests and foothills of the eastern Himalayan region and adjacent Southeast Asia. Like other wolf snakes, it bears enlarged front teeth used for gripping prey, which can lead to confusion with venomous species.
It is a secretive, ground-dwelling snake rarely encountered outside of humid forest habitats.
How to identify it
- Slender body with a pattern of paired dark spots or short bands along the back, giving the 'twin-spotted' appearance
- Coloration typically brown to grayish with a paler underside
- Smooth scales and a narrow head barely wider than the neck
- Round pupils
- Distinguished from venomous kraits by lack of an enlarged vertebral scale row and by its spotted rather than fully banded pattern
Habitat & range
Found in moist forests, foothills, and forest edges of northeastern India, Nepal, and parts of mainland Southeast Asia, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Nocturnal and terrestrial, sheltering under logs, leaf litter, and rocks during the day. Feeds on small lizards and other reptiles. Egg-laying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Twin-Spotted Wolf Snake venomous?
No, it is non-venomous, though it has enlarged front teeth used for gripping prey.
Where does it live?
In moist forests and foothills of northeastern India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia.
What does it eat?
Mainly small lizards and other reptiles.
Why might people confuse it with a krait?
Its dark spotted pattern can superficially resemble banded venomous snakes, though it lacks their distinctive scale ridge.
Twin-Spotted Wolf Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Twin-Spotted Wolf Snake.
