Lycodon aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758)

A medium size snake having brown body and yellowish bands. This is one of the most common species found in and around human habitation including exclusive urban areas. Also this is the most widely distributed Lycodon species in Indian subcontinent. Due to bands on its dark color body layman often gets confused with Common Krait and try to threat it. At heights inside houses it can be seen occasionally while feeding on geckos.

Mating begins with starting of summer and extends to monsoon. Assumed to be capable of breeding most of the year depending upon geographical region. Female lays upto 7 eggs in cracks, small mounds, under the rocks and dark places at heights. New born mostly seen during whole monsoon to mid winters.

New born- 14cm.
Average length- 50cm.
Maximum length- 84cm.

Common Wolf Snake is a nocturnal species which shows activity both on ground and heights of rocks. Behavior shy, alert and more aggressive than other Wolf Snakes (Lycodon). On provocation initially try to escape; later it makes coil or ball of whole body to hide its head under it. In aggressive mood it throws whole body into loose coil on ground and tries to bite. Also repeatedly bites on handling. 

Feeds mainly on geckos; also feed on rodents and skinks.

Remain hidden in narrow cracks or under heavy objects during day time. Found in variety of forest covers including rainforest, dry and mixed deciduous forests, scrub lands. Lives mainly in rocky terrain, lands having cracks, human habitation etc. This is one of the most adapted snake species which is confined in modified habitats. Prefers heights and dry surrounding for foraging and hiding as its most preferred diet is Geckos. Juveniles occasionally seen under the rock laid on the ground.

Threats includes killing due to confusion & misidentification with venomous species Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus). People often consider it as a variety of Krait and immediately kill it. One more major threat is road kills which become prone in number during monsoon and early winter months. As this species is well confined in urban environment with not much natural facilities available, habitat destruction seems not much affecting its population.

Wildlife Protection Act (1972): Schedule 4.

This is an active feeder of geckos and regulates their population in natural environment also in human habitation where no other predator found this commonly.

It is considered to be a venomous snake by most of the layman. In many parts of Central India it is said that it can suffocate human beings at night. However all these myths have no scientific and logical support.