Xenodermus

Dragonsnake[1]
Gonionotus plumbeus (syn. Xenodermus javanicus) from John Lort Stokes' 1846 Discoveries in Australia
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Suborder:Serpentes
Family:Colubridae
Genus:Xenodermus
Species: X. javanicus
Binomial name
Xenodermus javanicus
Reinhardt, 1836

Xenodermus is a genus of caenophidian snakes. It is a monotypic genus, containing only Xenodermus javanicus, also known as the dragonsnake, Javan tubercle snake, Javan mudsnake, or rough-backed litter snake.[2] It is considered to be rare.[3] (Though no conservation efforts are active.[4]) The snake is fully nocturnal and subsists on a diet of frogs.[5] Dragonsnakes lay several clutches of 2-4 eggs each year in the rainy season (October–February).

Habitat

The dragonsnake's natural range is Thailand, Burma, and Indonesia.[6] Dragonsnakes have been known to occur, at extremes, from southern Myanmar, southward to Sundaland (Sumatra, Java, and Borneo). (Although dragonsnakes only exist in Myanmar in marginal numbers.[7])

Behaviour

Breeding

Dragonsnakes undergo reproduction by egg.[8] The dragonsnake is not considered to be a particularly prolific breeder.[9]

Sleep

Dragonsnakes are nocturnal.[10]

Diet

Dragonsnakes subsist mainly on frogs.[11]

Human interaction

Dragonsnakes exhibit a peculiar property when encountering perceived threats. This action involves stiffening its entire body and straightening into a line.[12] Dragonsnakes are known to die when placed into captivity.[13]

Conservation status

Dragonsnakes are not the object of any conservation endeavours at this time.[14]

References

  1. ↑ "Dragon Snake". The Reptile Report.
  2. ↑ Genus Xenodermus at The Reptile Database. Accessed 13 January 2008.
  3. ↑ Rooij, Nelly de. The Reptiles of the Indo-australian Archipelago. Ii Ophidia with 117 Illustrations. Brill Archive. p. 45. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
  4. ↑ , Conservation database.
  5. ↑ Various (1936). Bulletin of the Raffles Museum, Issues 12-14. University of Michigan. pp. 172–173. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
  6. ↑ "Xenodermus javanicus REINHARDT, 1836". The Reptile Database. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
  7. ↑ , Conservation database.
  8. ↑
  9. ↑ , Conservation database.
  10. ↑
  11. ↑
  12. ↑
  13. ↑
  14. ↑


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