SUMMARY

• VENOM: None

• PREVALENCE: Common

• ACTIVE PERIOD: Active at night

• KEY ID FEATURES: Reddish brown with yellow or white mottling running the length of the body

• BEHAVIOR: Will bite readily and can secrete a smelly musk, completely terrestrial

• SIZE: Small - 30-40cm

• IUCN: LC - Least Concerned

• OTHER: N/A

GALLERY

IMPORTANT: Many snakes have significant variance in coloration and pattern even within the same species. There can also be extreme differences in appearance from juveniles to adults so it is important to never assume you have properly identified a snake.

DESCRIPTION

Average size reaching up to 40cm with reddish brown coloration and yellow or white mottling over the length of the body. A flat narrow head just slightly wider than the neck at the jaw with proportioned round eyes and pupils. Yellow or white incomplete band just behind the head. As a wolf snake they have teeth that are relatively large for their size.

BEHAVIOR

The common wolf snake is a docile terrestrial night feeder and fun to observe. They will flee slowly but deliberately when disturbed either burrowing through the leaf litter or slithering away. If handled they are quick to bite and will readily secrete a smelly musk while trying to get away.

HABITAT

Common Wolf Snakes are widely distributed around Hong Kong including Hong Kong island. Fond of lizards they can be found from grassy areas to forests and near water culverts, as well as in populated areas.  

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

NO SNAKE SHOULD EVER BE HANDLED BY ANYONE BUT EXPERTS: Relatively unique in appearance the Common Wolf Snake is not normally confused with other species.