‘Cryptic’ nocturnal creature seen ‘crawling’ over rocks is new species in Vietnam
.jpg "The new wolf snake species was discovered in north-central Vietnam, according to a study.")
During a series of field surveys in north-central Vietnam, researchers encountered a relatively large and unique-looking creature with “pinkish” bands.
At nearly 3 feet long, it moved with ease in the various habitats where it was found, whether that was an evergreen forest floor, a craggy karst landscape or “crawling” over the rocks of a limestone-lined stream.
The team has now confirmed the creature is a new species of wolf snake, according to a study published Sept. 15 in the peer-reviewed journal ZooKeys.
Lycodon duytan, or the Duy Tan wolf snake, is a “cryptic” species, meaning it closely resembles other related wolf snake species, according to researchers.
The species is nocturnal and, at about 35 inches long, it is considered “a larger-sized species,” according to the study.
Its body is described as being “robust” and slightly “compressed.” It has 54 to 72 “pinkish-orange” crossbands on its body and tail, researchers said.
In life, its belly is “reddish-orange” or “reddish-pink,” according to the study. When preserved, the species it loses its colorful appearance.
The Duy Tan wolf snake has a long, flattened head and snout; large nostrils; and large eyes, according to researchers.
It can be distinguished from related species by its larger size, more roughly scaled body, the pattern of its colorful crossbands, and its “uniformly reddish-pink” belly, according to the study.
The new species is known from several locations around north-central Vietnam. Despite its wide distribution range, it “appears to be rare within its habitat,” researchers said.
The Duy Tan wolf snake has been found in “at least four protected areas, including three national parks and one nature reserve,” which researchers said offers the new species “a certain degree” of protection.
According to the study, the primary threats to the species includes illegal trafficking due to its distinctive colors, habitat loss and degradation.
The research team included Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov and Gernot Vogel.
This story was originally published September 15, 2025 at 1:15 PM with the headline "‘Cryptic’ nocturnal creature seen ‘crawling’ over rocks is new species in Vietnam."
