Common names: sunbeam snake.

Xenopeltis unicolor is a non-venomous sunbeam snake species found in Southeast Asia. This is a primitive snake known for its highly iridescent scales. No subspecies are currently recognized.

Description

Grows to an average of about 1 m (3 ft 3 in). A fossorial species, the head is wedge-shaped and narrow with little neck delineation, which makes it easy to push through the soil. Its most defining characteristic is its iridescent, highly polished scales that give this snake its common name. They have a layer of dark pigmentation just below the surface on each scale that enhances the iridescence. This is a primitive form of snake with both boid and python characteristics; which family it belongs to is still a matter of debate.

Geographic range

Found in China (Guangdong and Yunnan), Myanmar, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, West Malaysia, Penang Island, Singapore Island, East Malaysia (Sarawak), Indonesia (the Riau Archipelago, Bangka, Billiton, Sumatra, We, Simalur, Nias, the Mentawai Islands [Siberut], Borneo, Java and Sulawesi) and the Philippines (Balabac, Bongao, Jolo and Palawan). The type locality given is "Java."

Habitat

Tends to live in open areas such as forest clearings, gardens and parks. Often encountered in rice paddies.

Behavior

These snake are constrictors, killing their prey by suffocation in their muscular coils. They are fossorial and spend most of their time below ground.

Feeding

The diet is varied, consisting primarily of frogs, reptiles, including other snakes, and small mammals. The young look very similar to the adults, except that they have a strong white "collar" of scales evident just below the head. This coloration fades within the first year.

Reproduction

Ovoviviparous, with females laying up to 10 eggs at a time.

See also

References

External links

• Sunbeam Snake at Ecology Asia Accessed 18 September 2008.