ONE of the most ubiquitous snakes that can be found lurking in Shenzhen’s nights is the white-banded wolf snake (Lycodon subcinctus), a non-venomous medium-sized snake about 90 centimeters long with strict nocturnal habits. Also known as the Malayan banded wolf snake, the white-banded wolf snake moves slowly in the dark but quickly bites when it finds prey it can catch, with small lizards being among their favorite dinners. This intriguing snake is very similar in appearance to the highly venomous many-banded krait. It has a black body with a pattern of white bands uniformly distributed over its body. However, in the wolf snake, the white bands are slightly less bright and may gradually fade to black. The head is small, the tail is long, the rings are incomplete, and the underbelly is white. As with many of the snake species in our city, it is crucial to stay away from them and let them continue on their way. These snakes, easily mistaken for highly venomous ones, play an important role in the ecosystem as secondary consumers. They serve both as predators and prey, contributing to maintaining a healthy balance in the intricate dynamics of our urban ecosystems. Overall, the white-banded wolf snake is a fascinating species to encounter when you explore the night in Shenzhen. Their unique appearance and behavior make them a valuable part of the city’s biodiversity, and we should strive to appreciate and protect these creatures to maintain the health and diversity of our local environment. | 