Colubridae
Common Wolf Snake
Lycodon capucinus
Common Wolf Snake is an introduced snake recorded on Christmas Island, an Australian external territory. It is dark with scattered pale scales and is often found around buildings.
Non-venomous
Identification and appearance
A dark snake with scattered pale scales, introduced to Christmas Island from South-east Asia. It is often found around buildings, is nocturnal and semi-arboreal, and feeds on geckos. Do not handle a snake to inspect specialist characters.
Other names
Common house snake
Typical length
AROD lists a species average of 70 cm; this does not establish a typical adult interval.
Key identification features
- Dark body with scattered pale scales
- Introduced to Christmas Island
- Often found around buildings
Where it is found
Christmas Island, an Australian external territory; introduced from South East Asia.
Activity
Nocturnal and semi-arboreal.
Diet
Geckos.
Reproduction
Egg-laying.
Medical significance
Non-venomous, but capable of biting. If identity is uncertain and a bite is suspected, call 000 and follow snakebite first aid.
What to do if you encounter one
Keep clear and leave a route for the snake to move away. Keep people and pets away and contact local Christmas Island wildlife or parks assistance if it is inside a building.
Taxonomy notes
Introduced to Christmas Island, where Australian Government material identifies it as an invasive threat.
Sources checked
- Australian Reptile Online Database — Common Wolf Snake (2026-09-25)
- The Reptile Database — Lycodon capucinus (2026-09-25)
- Australian Government alert-list report — Common Wolf Snake (2026-09-26)
- Australian Government — Christmas Island priority place (2026-09-26)
Still not sure?
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A profile is a guide, not a reason to approach or handle a snake.