However, as soon as the snake slithers out in the sun, these large scales erupt into a mesmerizing wave of colors. Consider using a proportional thermostat that can accurately control the cage’s temperature. Sunbeam Snakes (Xenopeltis unicolor) are from the ‘Colubrid’ family, naturally found in abundance in the Southeast Asia region. Yesterday I saw a 1+ meter snake at a friend’s. Choose a fat individual which is healthy and well-fed. Thai language: Ngoo sang ateet, Ngoo leu-um deen. Dirt doesn’t appear to stick to the scales.

Xenopeltis unicolor is the more widespread species. The skeleton has several interesting features. In fact, this species is limited to southeastern China and Vietnam in a few isolated pockets. Its most defining characteristic is its iridescent, highly polished scales that give this snake its common name. The snake should be curious and active, not limp. Most of the snake’s heads are broader than their bodies, but when a snake is venomous, it is pronounced, because of the venom sacks it holds. They are not venomous… Most Sunbeam Snakes are recovered from disturbed areas that contain trash and litter. It is alright for the snake to be scared or shy. I found one small sunbeam crossing the street at night during a rain in Sisaket – so I pulled him off the road and up into the brush. All teeth are hinged at the base instead of being firmly attached to the jaw bone. It just doesn’t typically happen. You may need another to create a hot spot around 85 degrees. Be prepared to face a few housing challenges in the beginning. But I don’t live anywhere near where they do. You can slow down and feed them once two weeks as they grow older. Sunbeam snakes get their name because they beam in the sunshine… so to speak. To prevent the snake from escaping, it’s important that the screen lid is always locked tight.

Your email address will not be published. Plus, the snakes are also found in Burma, Thailand, Indochina (Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam), Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Sumatra, Borneo, and Java. These snakes spend a major portion of their time hidden under trash, leaves, stones, fallen trees, and natural caverns in the earth. Female Sunbeam Snakes are known to lay as many as seventeen eggs at a time. This should be 25% sand and 75% potting soil. However, they may swallow live prey if it is small enough. Consequently, their scales shine like a rainbow when exposed to the sun’s rays or another light. While this poses no threat to the predator, the wild motions cause them to leave the snake alone. Thailand Snakes covers venomous and non-venomous snakes in Thailand and surrounding countries.

You should supply them with a wide and shallow water dish. Sunbeam Snakes are known for their friendliness and non-venomous nature. They glow in the sunshine and reflect a mesmerizing rainbow color from their iridescent scales. However, choosing the right snake will go a long way in ensuring that your pet remains healthy and vibrant. You don’t have to worry about taking this snake away from their natural habitat, as tThey are not on any endangered or threatened animal list. The other species Xenopeltis hainanensis is not as common as the former. Sunbeam Snakes are known to make interesting terrarium subjects. Both, male and females grow to the same length.

It can be characterized by its chocolate-brown coloration and boasts a white belly. The bedding needs to be damp without being soaking wet. sadly he dont let me get pics…. In captivity, these snakes will usually eat rodents and mice that they kill by constriction. If a Rack system is not on hand, you should use at least a 15 or 20 gallon tank for an adult and a 10 gallon tank for a sub-adult. The scales on Sunbeam Snakes can bend light like raindrops bend sunlight to create rainbows. This iridescence property and their penchant for burrowing have given this snake another name – Iridescent Earth Snake. Food: Frogs mostly, lizards, geckos, and other snakes. Mating and reproductive behavior in Sunbeam Snakes is a mystery to many. Binomial name: Xenopeltis unicolor, Really, if you haven’t yet read this book about Dr. Joe Slowinski – biologist bitten by a many-banded krait in Burma in 2001 – you really should. Appearance: Sunbeam snakes are thicker than a large banana (with skin) as adults. Genus: Xenopeltis Their tail makes up a tenth of the total body length. No, Sunbeam Snakes are not venomous, nor are they dangerous.

The Sunbeam Snake will shake its tail when it feels threatened in a manner similar to the rattlesnake. You may need to feed your pet every week as sub-adults or juveniles.

It is known that these snakes are oviparous, which means their young are produced by means of eggs. They rarely ever bite in captivity as long as you handle them properly. It was the fourth snake which got trapped in an old fish trap which lies amongst the bushes and trees along the side of our house. Getting your snake to adjust to thawed meals can reduce the pressure of having live mice on hand. This offers the snakes a violet or blue undertone. Order: Squamata how bad the smell is? They also eat other snakes that are smaller to them in size. Predators that do come too close are greeted with a nasty smelling fluid that oozes out of the snake’s vent area. Feel the snake about. The head is not as apparent as in vipers, pythons, and other snakes. The belly is an unpatterned whitish-gray. It is the most foul-smelling odor in the world. Currently, two species are recognized. They are under the snake’s jaw, which creates a bulge that is hard to miss. You may need to cover the screen with a plastic wrap or foil to retain the heat and humidity. No danger to humans except possibly a strong bite if you anger it. However, few females have known to grow as long as 1.3 meters or 4 feet. These snakes are not very commonly kept as pets because of their high mortality rate in captivity. The eyes are small and designed for burrowing in dirt. All in all, Sunbeam Snakes are beautiful creatures. The serpent is quite capable of digging, but doesn’t usually make the effort. These snakes are quite possibly the most iridescent snakes in the world. Class: Reptilia However, very few captive breeding has ever been reported. Iridophores contain inbuilt microscopic layers which refracts light.

[7], They are found in Southeast Asia from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, east through Myanmar to southern China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Malay Peninsula and the East Indies to Sulawesi, as well as the Philippines. They need cool shade and water. They are freely available at reptile shows, specialty reptile shops and online stores. Very low-key, mellow snakes if you’re not provoking them.

The big ones are really impressive. But, they should not be weak or exhausted.

Adult Sunbeam Snakes that are about 2 feet long need about 2 or 3 fuzzy mice at a time. Sunbeam Snakes like to soak occasionally. It should feel plump in your hands. Phylum: Chordata You should know that these snakes are imported seasonally. Traditionally, only certain groups of snakes were considered venomous, with probably the majority of snakes being considered harmless and non-venomous. They prefer to use burrows made by other animals. Most Sunbeam Snakes kill their prey by constriction. They never let their guard down at night and slither quickly with head pressed flat to the surface. Return to top.

Identify Deadly Thailand Snakes In Under 5 Minutes!" Additionally, it likes to burrow and it is characterized by its smooth, glossy, iridescent scales. Sunbeam snakes kill prey by squeezing (constricting) it like a python. You should start by feeding them live mice and switching to frozen or thawed. These iridescent serpents make great pets, but you need to find an appropriate enclosure of them. Xenopeltis unicolor is also called the Common Sunbeam Snake, or the Iridescent Earth Snake.