The Sunbeam Snake (Xenopeltis unicolor) is a beautiful, non-venomous species known for its smooth, glossy scales that reflect an iridescent rainbow sheen under light. It has a dark brown to black upper body and a lighter underside. This species is nocturnal and fossorial, spending much of its time underground or under leaf litter. It feeds mainly on small reptiles and amphibians. When threatened, it may flatten its body or release a foul-smelling musk but rarely bites.
Sunbeam Snake
Xenopeltis unicolor
🐍 Non-venomous
Description
Venomous?
No, the Sunbeam Snake is non-venomous.
A Danger to Humans?
Not aggressive and poses no danger to humans. It is generally docile and prefers to flee when disturbed.
Population Size
Stable
Life Span
-
WEIGHT
30.5 g
LENGTH
Total length 110 cm
Ca
Carnivore
No
Nocturnal
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Chordata
CLASS
:
Reptilia
ORDER
:
Squamata
FAMILY
:
Xenopeltidae
GENUS
:
Xenopeltis
SPECIES
:
Xenopeltis unicolor
Distribution
Xenopeltis unicolor inhabits humid and swampy areas around the coast, rivers, rice fields and forested areas in the lowlands to the mountains at an altitude of about 1,300 m above sea level. It is also not uncommon to find it around settlements, especially in open areas and wild grass.
Geography
Continent : Asia
Country : These snakes are common, and are widespread from India, China, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, to the Philippines, Indonesia, Sumatra, Simeulue, Nias, Mentawai Islands, Riau Islands, Java. , Kalimantan to Sulawesi.
Habits and Lifestyle
These snakes often hide under rotting wood, rocks, litter piles, or dig holes in mud (semifossorial), not far from water. active at night and moving relatively slowly. Can vibrate tail when feeling threatened
Lifestyle
Terrestrial and semifossorial
Biome
Swamps and forests
Climate Zone
Tropical
Diet and Nutrition
Its main prey is frogs, lizards, other types of snakes, and possibly ground-dwelling birds. Kills prey by constriction.
Diet : Carnivora
Mating Habits
Breeding by laying eggs (ovipar), once laying eggs can produce up to 17 eggs.
Reproduction session : –
Incubation periods: –
Independent age : at birth
Baby name : –
Baby carrying : 17 eggs
Population
Population status : Least Concern (LC)
NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Population threats
No major threat exists to this species, as it is very adaptable, and it is quite widespread. Although it is reported that they are traded in relatively large quantities for the pet and hull trade.
Population number
Xenopeltis unicolor has been rated as a “least concern” extinction species due to its wide distribution and tolerance to a wide variety of habitats, including areas susceptible to human disturbance.
PHOTO GALLERY
Reference
- Wogan, G., Auliya, M., Inger, R.F. & Nguyen, T.Q. 2012. Xenopeltis unicolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T178481A1536060
- Xenopeltis unicolor Wikipedia article
- Somaweera, R. 2017. A Naturalist’s Guide To The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bali. John Beaufoy Publishing, Oxford, England.