Lycodon gammiei


Lycodon gammiei, commonly known as Gammie's wolf snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid endemic to northern India.

Etymology

The specific name, gammiei, is in honor of naturalist James Alexander Gammie, who managed a Cinchona plantation in Darjeeling from 1865 to 1897.

Geographic range

In India Lycodon gammiei is found in the states of Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, and in Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal.

Description

At first glance, Gammie's wolf snake resembles the venomous kraits. Its body is surrounded by alternating dark and light rings with irregular margins. Its head is dark olive, and there are light spots in the center of most head shields. It has an imperfect pale collar, and the underside of the head and neck are whitish. Adults are about 80 cm in total length.