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PanduanHewanKENALI · PEDULI · LINDUNGI
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PANDUANHEWAN · INDONESIA

Common Wolf Snake

Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus). The common wolf snake is named for enlarged front teeth, not kinship with wolves; building encounters are often misidentified.

PanduanHewan·Updated 23 September 2026·Lycodon capucinus
About this guideThis guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.
Photograph of Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus).
(c) Ian Dugdale, some rights reserved (CC BY) · CC BY 4.0 · Photograph cropped for layout.

What is the Common Wolf Snake?

Common Wolf Snake refers to Lycodon capucinus, in the genus Lycodon, family Colubridae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗

What is known about the Common Wolf Snake?

The common wolf snake is named for enlarged front teeth, not kinship with wolves; building encounters are often misidentified.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: Species account — background reading ↗

How many Indonesian records name the Common Wolf Snake?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 280 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Jawa Barat, Bali, Nusa Tenggara Timur. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗

How can you observe the Common Wolf Snake?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Common Wolf Snake with Indo-Chinese Rat Snake, Oriental Whipsnake, Painted Bronzeback. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

Sources & references

  1. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
  2. GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
  3. iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
  4. Species account — background reading ↗

References can change. Check dates and context in the original source.