The dragon snake or dragon snake (Xenodermus javanicus) is a peculiar appearing non-venomous Colubrid snake species found in Southeast Asia. It is the only snake in its genus. The species can be found in many countries such as Thailand, and Indonesia, Myanmar, Brunei, Malaysia.
Their range goes from extreme southern Myanmar south to Sumatra, Java, and Borneo. Their existence in its range such as Thailand and Myanmar’s northern portion relies on specimens that were listed in the 1960s and the 1940s.
The dragon snake is most frequently found in areas close to water or flows, such as woods, marshes, swamps, and particularly fond of rice areas.
Dragon snakes are found from sea level to around 4300 feet (1300 m) but are most frequently found at altitudes between 1650 feet and 3600 feet (500 to 1100 m).
It’s a semi-fossorial snake spending almost all of their time these snakes are active throughout the night hunting their prey down.
We know very little about those colubrid snakes, but seemingly, dragon snakes grow about 24 to 30 inches in length and are grayish in color. They have an elongated tail and a slight head.
However, the dragon snake notable feature is their strange epidermis, with 3 layers of expanded, keeled scales running down its back, they seem like a cross between a snake and a crocodile.
It is quite simple to comprehend why they’re generally known as dragon snakes because they’ve some lizard-like features.
Apart from their odd appearances, they also have a bizarre habit, even when touched or picked they stiffen up, getting “stuff” like a plank.
The dragon snakes are thought to be rare and not too frequently kept as a pet because the species doesn’t do well in captivity, and generally does not survive long. So that it’s possible for the best to leave them on the 22, there is hardly any info and tips available.
Dragon Snake Subspecies and Taxonomy
The dragon snake belongs to the monotypic genus Xenodermus, meaning it is the sole species within that genus, and no subspecies are known.
The species was described in 1836 by Johannes T. Reinhardt who had been a Danish zoologist, but today we know very little about those very unique looking snakes.
The species’ scientific name derives from the Greek words “Xeno” significance odd and”derma” meaning skin, speaking to their strange-looking skin, at least to get a snake.
They’re also known by other common names such as Javan Tubercle Snake, Javan Mudsnake, Xenodermine snake or Rough-backed Litter Snake.
Dragon Snake Diet
The dragons snake is a nocturnal snake species and its diet includes frogs and potentially fish.
Dragon Snake Reproduction
Very little is understood concerning the dragon snakes reproduction, but we are aware that the species isn’t a very prolific breeder.
Females lay a clutch annually with 2 to 4 eggs. The eggs are put from October to February in the raining season.
Dragon Snake Conservation and Hazards
The dragon snake is recorded as a”Least Concern” species from the IUCN Red List of endangered species.
They face no significant dangers and also this semi-fossorial, the secretive snake is widespread and their inhabitants are not severely fragmented.
They’re also tolerant to human-altered habitats such as agricultural lands like rice areas or irrigated areas. Their inhabitants might be rising.
No matter how the dragon snake could be vulnerable agricultural pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides, is their food supply, frogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dragon snake poisonous?
The Dragon snake is a non-poisonous snake. Though they look scared they are a non-venomous snake.
How long do Dragon snakes live?
Dragon snakes live around 7 years if they are kept in captivity. Dragon snake belongs to smaller sized snakes, typically their lifespan is around 10 to 15 years. But these data is based on the snakes that are kept in captivity, it’s still unknown how long they live in the wild.