Common Wolf Snake

This common little snake averages 25-40 cm in length and is frequently found in suburban gardens. It is active at night when it hunts for lizards, especially skinks, and geckos. The Common Wolf Snake is fond of damp localities where it seeks refuge under rocks, logs and in rubbish heaps.

Full Name: Common Wolf Snake (Lycophidion capense)

Other Names: Gewone Wolfslang

Classification: HARMLESS

Map indicating the distribution of the Common Wolf Snake in Southern Africa.

This common little snake averages 25-40 cm in length and is frequently found in suburban gardens. It is active at night when it hunts for lizards, especially skinks, and geckos. The Common Wolf Snake is fond of damp localities where it seeks refuge under rocks, logs and in rubbish heaps.

Though harmless it has long, recurved teeth in both the upper and lower jaw, hence the common name. Females produce 3–9 eggs in early summer.

The Common Wolf Snake is difficult to distinguish from the venomous stiletto snake. It differs by having a long thin tail, the head is distinct from the body, and it usually has light spots on the back of each body scale.

African Snakebite Institute