Seychelles wolf snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seychelles wolf snake |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Lycognathophis
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| Species: |
seychellensis
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| Synonyms | |
The Seychelles wolf snake (Lycognathophis seychellensis) is a type of snake. Its scientific name, Lycognathophis, comes from ancient Greek words. These words mean "wolf jaw snake." This name describes its special teeth, which are like a wolf's. It is the only species in its group, called Lycognathophis.
Contents
Where Does It Live?
This snake is found only in the Seychelles islands. This means it is endemic to the Seychelles. You won't find it anywhere else in the world!
What Does It Look Like?
The Seychelles wolf snake can grow up to 1 meter (about 40 inches) long. Its tail can be about 31 centimeters (12 inches) long.
Its head is quite different from its neck. It has eyes of medium size. The pupils of its eyes are shaped like a vertical oval.
The snake's body is long and slender. Its scales on the back are keeled, meaning they have a ridge down the middle. These scales are arranged in 17 rows.
Colors and Patterns
The snake's body is usually yellowish or grayish-brown. It might have dark brown spots. Sometimes, these spots can form stripes on its tail.
It has a dark streak on each side of its head. This streak passes right through its eye. The snake's upper lip is yellowish. It often has small brown dots.
Its belly is yellowish. It might also have brown specks or dots. There is often a brown spot at the outer end of its front belly scales.
Where It Makes Its Home
The Seychelles wolf snake lives in specific types of forests. It prefers subtropical or tropical dry forests. It also lives in moist lowland forests. These are its natural habitats.
Why Is It in Danger?
Sadly, the Seychelles wolf snake is a threatened species. Its biggest problem is habitat loss. This means the places where it lives are disappearing. People are changing its forest homes. This makes it harder for the snake to survive.
