Xenodermus

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.[1][2][3] Xenodermus javanicus demonstrates unique external morphology, e.g. characteristic dorsal scales, among xenodermatid snakes, which facilitates their distinguishing from different species. The snake is fully nocturnal and subsists on a diet of frogs. Xenodermus javanicus is a small non-venomous, semi-fossorial reptile.[4] Dragonsnakes lay several clutches of 2–4 eggs each year in the rainy season (October–February).

Xenodermus
Gonionotus plumbeus (syn. Xenodermus javanicus) from John Lort Stokes' 1846 Discoveries in Australia

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Xenodermidae
Genus: Xenodermus
Reinhardt, 1836
Species:
X. javanicus
Binomial name
Xenodermus javanicus
Reinhardt, 1836

Distribution and habitat

Xenodermus javanicus is found in the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia, Thailand, and one old record from the southermost tip of Myanmar) and parts of the Greater Sunda Islands (Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, as well as some smaller islands).[1][2] It inhabits damp areas near water, including forests, swamps, marshes, and rice fields, at elevations below 1,300 m (4,300 ft), but most commonly between 500–1,100 m (1,600–3,600 ft) above sea level.[1]

Description

Xenodermus javanicus has distinct head and long tail. The body is slender and compressed. The total length is about 50 cm (20 in).[5]

Behaviour

Breeding

Xenodermus javanicus undergo reproduction by egg and have low fecundity (2–4 eggs).[1][2]

Sleep

Xenodermus javanicus are nocturnal.[6]

Diet

Xenodermus javanicus subsist mainly on frogs.[1][6]

Human interaction

Xenodermus javanicus exhibit a peculiar property when encountering perceived threats. This action involves stiffening its entire body.[3][6] Xenodermus javanicus are known to die when placed into captivity.[6]

Conservation status

Xenodermus javanicus is rare in the northern parts of its range, but it is common in Java. There seem to be no major threats to it, and it can persist in wet agricultural lands such as rice fields. It could be potentially threatened by agricultural pollutants.[1]

References
  1. Wogan, G.; Grismer, L. & Chan-Ard, T. (2012). "Xenodermus javanicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T190514A1954501. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  2. Xenodermus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 July 2020.
  3. Andrew M. Durso (10 September 2013). "Dragonsnakes". Life is Short, but Snakes are Long. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  4. Various (1936). Bulletin of the Raffles Museum, Issues 12-14. University of Michigan. pp. 172–173. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
  5. Rooij, Nelly de (1917). The Reptiles of the Indo-australian Archipelago. II Ophidia with 117 Illustrations. Brill Archive. pp. 44–45. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
  6. "Dragon Snake". www.reptilesmagazine.com.
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