Xenodermus
| Dragonsnake[1] | |
|---|---|
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| Gonionotus plumbeus (syn. Xenodermus javanicus) from John Lort Stokes' 1846 Discoveries in Australia | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Xenodermidae |
| Genus: | Xenodermus |
| Species: | X. javanicus
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| 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
- ^ "Dragon Snake". The Reptile Report.
- ^ Genus Xenodermus at The Reptile Database. Accessed 13 January 2008.
- ^ Rooij, Nelly de. The Reptiles of the Indo-australian Archipelago. Ii Ophidia with 117 Illustrations. Brill Archive. p. 45. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
- ^ [1], Conservation database.
- ^ Various (1936). Bulletin of the Raffles Museum, Issues 12-14. University of Michigan. pp. 172–173. Retrieved 2013-08-16.
- ^ "Xenodermus javanicus REINHARDT, 1836". The Reptile Database. Retrieved August 15, 2013.
- ^ [2], Conservation database.
- ^ [3]
- ^ [4], Conservation database.
- ^ [5]
- ^ [6]
- ^ [7]
- ^ [8]
- ^ [9]
External links
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