Banded Wolf Snake

The banded wolf snake (Lycodon fasciolatus) is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake distributed across the Indian subcontinent. Historically associated with numerous scientific names due to taxonomic confusion spanning more than two centuries, the species has been re-evaluated repeatedly in herpetological literature. Although sometimes referred to as the “banded racer”, that common name is more accurately applied to members of the genus Platyceps. The banded wolf snake is known for its distinctive cross-banded pattern, smooth dorsal scalation and broad geographic range.

Taxonomic History

The species has been assigned various names by different authors over time, reflecting substantial nomenclatural complexity. Among the historical synonyms and combinations are:

• Coluber hebe (Daudin, 1803)
• Coluber curvirostris (Cantor, 1839)
• Coryphodon fasciolatus (Günther, 1858)
• Tyria fasciolata (Cope, 1862)
• Zamenis fasciolatus (Günther, 1864)
• Argyrogena rostrata (Werner, 1924)
• Argyrogena fasciolata (Wilson, 1967)

The current placement within Lycodon reflects modern systematic revisions supported by detailed morphological and molecular analyses. Early descriptions by George Shaw (1802) relied heavily on illustrated plates such as those published in Russell’s Indian Serpents (1796), which contributed to later confusion.

Geographic Range

The species occurs widely across South Asia. Its distribution includes:

• India, with the exception of North Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kashmir
• Sri Lanka
• Pakistan
• Nepal
• Bangladesh

This expansive range suggests adaptability to varied habitats, typically dry or semi-arid regions, agricultural landscapes and human-modified environments.

Morphological Description

The banded wolf snake possesses several recognisable anatomical characteristics:

• Snout: obtuse, curved, and prominent.
• Rostral scale: large, broader than wide; its visible portion from above exceeds half its length.
• Internasal and prefrontal sutures: the internasal suture approximates or is slightly shorter than that between the prefrontals.
• Frontal scale: nearly as long as the distance from snout tip to its anterior edge; comparable in length to the parietals.
• Loreal: as long as deep, or longer.
• Ocular scales: one preocular (often with a small subocular); two or three postoculars.
• Temporals: 2+2 or 2+3 arrangement.
• Upper labials: eight, with the 4th and 5th entering the eye.
• Lower labials: four or five in contact with the anterior chin shields; posterior chin shields nearly equal in length to the anterior pair, separated by two or three scale rows.

Dorsal scales are smooth and arranged in 21 or 23 rows. Ventrals range between 197–225, with a divided anal plate. Subcaudals number 73–88.
Colouration consists of:

• Dorsum: yellowish or brownish-olive with narrow white, brown or black variegated cross bands on the anterior half of the body. These bands may fade or disappear in older individuals.
• Ventral surface: uniform yellowish.

Adult length typically reaches 1060 mm (around 3.5 feet), with the tail measuring approximately 220 mm.

Ecology and Behaviour

The species is primarily nocturnal and terrestrial. It is known for its secretive habits, often sheltering under stones, logs or debris. Like many wolf snakes, it feeds predominantly on lizards and small vertebrates. Although sometimes confused with venomous species due to its banding pattern, it is entirely harmless to humans.

Notes on Original Description

Shaw’s original account (1802) was derived from an illustration rather than a live specimen, a common practice in early zoological works. Subsequent clarifications by Boulenger (1890, 1893) helped stabilise the description, although systematic debates continued well into the 20th century. Modern reassessments, including recent nomenclatural reviews, have further clarified its taxonomic position within Lycodon.
The banded wolf snake thus represents both a biologically widespread species and a historically significant case study in herpetological taxonomy, illustrating how evolving scientific methods refine the understanding of species identities over time.