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Lycodon laoensis

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Lycodon laoensis
specimen at Khao Chamao Waterfall, Khao Chamao–Khao Wong National Park
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Lycodon
Species:
L. laoensis
Binomial name
Lycodon laoensis
Günther, 1864
Synonyms

Ophites laoensis - Zhao & Adler, 1993[2]

Lycodon laoensis, commonly known as the Laotian wolf snake, is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake endemic to Asia.

Geographic range

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Lycodon laoensis from Kaeng Krachan National Park

It is found in India, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, China (Yunnan), and West Malaysia.

Description

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Dorsally it is dark brown, with a whitish or yellowish crossband on the occiput, and similar body crossbands which bifurcate on the sides. Ventrally it is whitish. Adults are about .5 m (20 inches) in total length, which includes the tail of about 10 cm (4 inches).[3]

They are nocturnal , and generally ground dwelling. They are not very aggressive and generally reluctant to bite.[4]

Like other Wolf Snakes, they can be mistaken for the venomous Banded Kraits.[4]

References

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  1. ^ Chan-Ard, T.; Thy, N.; Nguyen, T.Q.; Grismer, L. (2012). "Lycodon laoensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T192203A2055050. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T192203A2055050.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Lycodon laoensis, The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.com
  3. ^ Boulenger, G.A. 1893. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History), Volume I. Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). London. p. 354 & Plate XXIV. fig. 2.
  4. ^ a b "Common snakes of Thailand". Siam-Info. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
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Further reading

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  • Günther, A. (1864). The Reptiles of British India. (Taylor & Francis, printers). London. xxvii + 452 pp.
  • Lanza, B. (1999). A new species of Lycodon from the Philippines, with a key to the genus (Reptilia: Serpentes: Colubridae). Tropical Zoology 12:89-104.