COMMON WOLF SNAKE Lycodon aulicus, Non venomous, Common

The Indian wolf snake (Lycodon aulicus) is a species of nonvenomous snake found in South Asia and Southeast Asia. Early naturalists have suggested its resemblance to the venomous common krait as an instance of Batesian mimicry. The colouration of this snake is variable. The Indian wolf snake is nocturnal and is inactive in the day. Günther (1864) writes that it is of fierce habits and defends itself vigorously, however it is nonvenomous. It is known to defend itself when barred of escape, and can cause severe lacerations with its fine sharp "fangs". Lycodon aulicus feeds on lizards and frogs. According to Günther (1864) it is one of the most formidable enemies of the skinks, which form almost its sole food, the "fangs" in the front of its jaws being admirably adapted for piercing and making good its hold on the hard smooth scales with which those lizards are coated.