Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernCommon Wolf Snake at a glance
The Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus) is a reptile in the family Colubridae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara. Diet: predator of lizards (geckos, skinks) and small mammals; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.
| Scientific name | Lycodon capucinus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Ular Cicak |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Observation records | West Java, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 280 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator of lizards (geckos, skinks) and small mammals · Western Australian Museum |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) · ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' |
In this guide (12)
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.
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 West Java, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara. 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.
Scientific classification of the Common Wolf Snake
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Colubridae |
| Genus | Lycodon |
| Species | Lycodon capucinus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the Common Wolf Snake
What is the scientific name of the Common Wolf Snake?
The scientific name of the Common Wolf Snake is Lycodon capucinus, in the family Colubridae. In Indonesian it is called Ular Cicak.
What kind of animal is the Common Wolf Snake?
The Common Wolf Snake is a reptile in the family Colubridae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator of lizards (geckos, skinks) and small mammals.
Where does the Common Wolf Snake live in Indonesia?
Observation records of the Common Wolf Snake summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Bali, East Nusa Tenggara. That list is not a complete range map.
What does the Common Wolf Snake eat?
The Common Wolf Snake is a predator of lizards (geckos, skinks) and small mammals. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Western Australian Museum.
How does the Common Wolf Snake reproduce?
The Common Wolf Snake reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the Common Wolf Snake venomous?
No. The Common Wolf Snake is not venomous. WHO describes the common wolf snake as a harmless land snake; its bite can still cause a minor wound. Source: WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the Common Wolf Snake nocturnal?
The cited source records the Common Wolf Snake as nocturnal (active at night). Source: ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
What is the scientific classification of the Common Wolf Snake?
Scientific classification of the Common Wolf Snake: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Colubridae, genus Lycodon, species Lycodon capucinus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the Common Wolf Snake endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Common Wolf Snake is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Common Wolf Snake is a protected species, consult the current national list of protected species or contact the local BKSDA (natural resources conservation office).
Sources & references
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon ↗
- GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026 ↗
- iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations ↗
- Species account — background reading ↗
- Western Australian Museum ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time' ↗
- WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia (2016), Guidelines for the management of snakebites, 2nd ed ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon capucinus). Last substantive update: 1 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lycodon-capucinus/