Lycodon Striatus

Lycodon striatus, commonly known as the northern wolf snake or the barred wolf snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake widely distributed across South and parts of Central Asia. It is a terrestrial, nocturnal reptile adapted to dry and semi-arid environments and is frequently encountered in rural landscapes. Although harmless, it is often mistaken for venomous snakes due to its contrasting banded pattern. The species is of particular herpetological importance because of its extensive geographic range, well-documented taxonomy, and distinctive reproductive behaviour.

Taxonomy and Nomenclatural History

Lycodon striatus was first described in 1802 by the British zoologist George Shaw under the name Coluber striatus. The original type localities were Vizagapatam and Hyderabad, both located in present-day India. Subsequent taxonomic revisions reassigned the species to the genus Lycodon, which comprises the wolf snakes, named for their enlarged anterior teeth adapted for gripping prey.
The species belongs to the family Colubridae, the largest snake family, which includes mostly nonvenomous forms. Two subspecies of Lycodon striatus are currently recognised:

• Lycodon striatus striatus (Shaw, 1802), the nominate subspecies
• Lycodon striatus sinhaleyus (Deraniyagala, 1955), restricted mainly to Sri Lanka

These subspecies are differentiated primarily on geographic distribution and minor morphological features.

Geographic Range and Distribution

Lycodon striatus has a broad distribution spanning South Asia, West Asia, and parts of Central Asia. Its range includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, eastern and north-eastern Iran, western Tajikistan, southern Turkmenistan (including the Kopet Dagh region), Uzbekistan, and large parts of India.
Within India, the species is recorded from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. Its presence in Maharashtra is well established, particularly in dry scrublands, agricultural fields, and forest-edge habitats. The wide geographic range reflects the species’ adaptability to varied climatic and ecological conditions.

Habitat and Ecology

Lycodon striatus predominantly inhabits dry regions, including semi-deserts, open scrublands, forest edges, and rocky terrain. It is also known to occur in agricultural landscapes and near human settlements, where it benefits from the availability of shelter and prey.
The species is strictly nocturnal. During daylight hours, individuals remain concealed under stones, fallen logs, leaf litter, or within soil crevices. After dusk, they emerge to forage actively on the ground. This nocturnal behaviour reduces exposure to predators and extreme daytime temperatures, particularly in arid environments.
Ecologically, Lycodon striatus plays a role as a mesopredator, regulating populations of small reptiles. Its presence contributes to maintaining ecological balance in dry terrestrial ecosystems.

Physical Description and Morphology

Dorsally, Lycodon striatus is dark brown to black in colour, marked with white transverse spots or crossbands. These crossbands are typically more widely separated on the anterior part of the body and become closer posteriorly. Along the sides, the body is lineolated with white markings, each accompanied by a black spot corresponding to a dorsal crossband.
The upper lip and ventral surface are uniformly white, a feature particularly evident in preserved specimens. The head is only slightly distinct from the neck, and the snout is flattened, giving the snake a streamlined appearance. The eyes are relatively small with round pupils, consistent with nocturnal activity.
Scalation is characteristic of the genus. There are eight upper labial scales, with the first and second labials in contact with the nasal scale. The dorsal scales are smooth, contributing to the snake’s glossy appearance.
According to George Albert Boulenger’s 1893 account, the longest adult specimen known at the time measured approximately 63 centimetres in total length, with the tail comprising about 13 centimetres. Overall body size is moderate, and sexual dimorphism is minimal.

Behaviour and Feeding Habits

Lycodon striatus is generally secretive and non-aggressive. When encountered, it prefers to flee rather than confront a perceived threat. If handled, it may attempt to bite defensively, but such bites are harmless to humans due to the absence of venom.
The species feeds primarily on small reptiles, including skinks, geckos, and other lizards. Its enlarged anterior teeth assist in gripping and restraining prey, particularly smooth-bodied or agile lizards. Feeding typically occurs at night, coinciding with the activity periods of many of its prey species.
Like other wolf snakes, Lycodon striatus may occasionally be misidentified as a venomous species, especially kraits, due to its banded colour pattern. This resemblance is superficial, and close observation reveals clear differences in head shape, behaviour, and movement.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

Reproduction in Lycodon striatus is oviparous. In India, adult females are known to lay eggs during April. Clutch sizes are relatively small, usually consisting of two to four eggs, but the eggs themselves are comparatively large.
Eggs measure approximately 30 millimetres in length and 12 millimetres in width. Notably, parental care has been observed in this species, with females remaining near the clutch to guard the eggs. Such behaviour is uncommon among snakes and is of particular biological interest.
Hatchlings emerge fully independent and resemble adults in coloration, though with more pronounced contrast. Growth rates depend on environmental conditions, prey availability, and climatic factors.

Scientific and Educational Significance

Lycodon striatus has been frequently cited in classical herpetological literature, including works such as The Fauna of British India and Boulenger’s catalogues of the British Museum. Its extensive distribution has made it a subject of biogeographical studies, particularly in relation to snake fauna in Central and South Asia.
The species is also important in educational contexts, as it exemplifies harmless snakes that are often misidentified and persecuted due to resemblance to venomous species. Increased awareness of Lycodon striatus aids in reducing unnecessary killing and promotes coexistence between humans and reptiles.