Xenodermus

Last updated

Xenodermus
Dragon Snake Xenodermus javanicus.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
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

Xenodermus javanicus, also known as the dragon snake, Javan tubercle snake, Javan mudsnake, or rough-backed litter snake, [1] [2] [3] is a small non-venomous, semi-fossorial snake species belonging to the monotypic genus Xenodermus. [4] This species is best known for their characteristic dorsal scales and interesting defense mechanism in which they stiffen their entire bodies when threatened. X. javanicus is nocturnal and subsists on a diet of frogs, tadpoles and small fish. [5] They most often perish once placed into captivity; only a few herpetoculturists have been successful in keeping them.

Contents

Distribution and habitat

Xenodermus javanicus is found in the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia, Thailand, and one old record from the southernmost 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 a distinct head and long tail. The body is slender and compressed. The total length is about 50 cm (20 in). [6] [7] Males can be distinguished from females by examining the overall size, tail thickness, tail length, and cloacal vent for the presence of a hemipenial bulge: Females will be larger than males; have thinner, shorter tails, and lack a hemipenial bulge. Conversely, males will be smaller in comparison, have thicker, longer tails and exhibit a hemipenial bulge. [5]

Scalation of Xenodermus javanicus Dragon Snake Scalation.jpg
Scalation of Xenodermus javanicus

Differentiation of sex chromosomes and karyotype characterization

Xenodermus javanicus has an unusual chromosomal number of 2n = 32 , contrasting with the most typical snake karyotype with a stable chromosomal number of 2 n = 36 . The karyotype includes heteromorphic ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes with a heterochromatic W. [9]

Behavior

Breeding

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

Activity pattern

Xenodermus javanicus are nocturnal. [5]

Diet

Xenodermus javanicus subsist mainly on frogs, tadpoles, and small fish. [5]

Behaviors

Xenodermus javanicus exhibit a peculiar property when encountering perceived threats in which they stiffen their entire body to defend themselves. They may also emit a foul-smelling odour called a musk. [3] [5]

Conservation status

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

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amphibian</span> Class of ectothermic tetrapods

Amphibians are ectothermic, anamniotic, four-limbed vertebrate animals that constitute the class Amphibia. In its broadest sense, it is a paraphyletic group encompassing all tetrapods, excluding the amniotes. All extant (living) amphibians belong to the monophyletic subclass Lissamphibia, with three living orders: Anura (frogs), Urodela (salamanders), and Gymnophiona (caecilians). Evolved to be mostly semiaquatic, amphibians have adapted to inhabit a wide variety of habitats, with most species living in freshwater, wetland or terrestrial ecosystems. Their life cycle typically starts out as aquatic larvae with gills known as tadpoles, but some species have developed behavioural adaptations to bypass this.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lizard</span> Informal group of reptiles

Lizard is the common name used for all squamate reptiles other than snakes, encompassing over 7,000 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica, as well as most oceanic island chains. The grouping is paraphyletic as some lizards are more closely related to snakes than they are to other lizards. Lizards range in size from chameleons and geckos a few centimeters long to the 3-meter-long Komodo dragon.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milk snake</span> Species of snake

The milk snake or milksnake, is a species of kingsnake; 24 subspecies are currently recognized. Lampropeltis elapsoides, the scarlet kingsnake, was formerly classified as a 25th subspecies, but is now recognized as a distinct species. The subspecies have strikingly different appearances, and many of them have their own common names. Some authorities suggest that this species could be split into several separate species. They are not venomous to humans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Common krait</span> Species of snake

The common krait, also known as Bengal krait, is a species of highly venomous snakes of the genus Bungarus in the Elapidae family native to the Indian subcontinent. It is one of the Big Four Indian snakes that inflict the most snakebites on humans in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.

<i>Lycodon capucinus</i> Species of snake

Lycodon capucinus, also known as the common wolf snake, is a species of colubrid snake, which is commonly found in the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Named after their enlarged front teeth, which gives them a muzzled appearance similar to canines, it also makes the snout somewhat more squarish than other snakes.

<i>Sinomicrurus macclellandi</i> Species of snake

Sinomicrurus macclellandi, commonly known as MacClelland's coral snake, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to southern and eastern Asia.

<i>Bungarus candidus</i> Venomous snake, species of krait

Bungarus candidus, commonly known as the Malayan krait or blue krait, is a highly venomous species of snake. The blue krait is a member of the genus Bungarus and the family Elapidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Javan mongoose</span> Species of mongoose from Asia

The Javan mongoose is a mongoose species native to Southeast Asia.

The Malayan flying frog is a species of frog in the moss frog family (Rhacophoridae). It is found in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Java mouse-deer</span> Species of mammal

The Java mouse-deer is a species of even-toed ungulate in the family Tragulidae. When it reaches maturity it is about the size of a rabbit, making it the smallest living ungulate. It is found in forests in Java and perhaps Bali, although sightings there have not been verified.

<i>Trimeresurus sumatranus</i> Species of snake

Trimeresurus sumatranus is a species of venomous pitviper found in the tropical forests of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. Arboreal by nature, its coloration is pale to neon-green, with some black vertical markings, and a red-tipped tail. As with other vipers, this species has prominent, “keeled” scales, which appear somewhat raised and give the snake a rough-textured appearance. Common names include Sumatran pitviper, Sumatran tree viper, and Sumatran pit viper.

<i>Bothrops bilineatus</i> Species of pit viper

Bothrops bilineatus, also known as the two-striped forest-pitviper, parrotsnake, Amazonian palm viper, or green jararaca, is a highly venomous pit viper species found in the Amazon region of South America. Two subspecies are currently recognized, including the nominate subspecies described here. A pale green arboreal species that may reach 1 m (3.3 ft) in length, it is an important cause of snakebite throughout the entire Amazon region.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elephant trunk snake</span> Species of snake

The elephant trunk snake or the Javan file snake, is a species of snake in the family Acrochordidae, a family which represents a group of primitive non-venomous aquatic snakes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red-headed krait</span> Species of snake

The red-headed krait is a large highly venomous elapid snake with dramatic coloration. The red-headed krait can grow to a length of up to 2.1 metres (7 ft). It lives in lowland rain forest, including those on islands, but it is considered uncommon. It feeds primarily on specific snakes, probably semiaquatic and fossorial snakes. In Southeast Asia, the red-headed krait occurs in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia (Sumatra), with a subspecies in Borneo. The venom potency is little-studied, as bites from this species are extremely rare.

<i>Lycodon rufozonatus</i> Species of snake

Lycodon rufozonatus is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to East Asia. It is medium-sized, nocturnal, and is considered non-venomous. Two subspecies are recognised, one of which, L. r. walli, is restricted to the Ryukyu Archipelago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Golden-crowned snake</span> Species of snake

The golden-crowned snake is a small species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is endemic to Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xenodermidae</span> Family of snakes

Xenodermidae is a family of snakes native to East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. All species in the family Xenodermidae are small or moderately sized snakes, never more than 80 cm (31 in) but typically less than 55 cm (22 in) in total length. They are secretive, probably nocturnal, and typically inhabit moist forest habitats. They seem to be opportunistic carnivores, preying on other vertebrates.

The bluebelly Java snake, also known commonly as Fruhstorfer's mountain snake and the Javan bluebelly snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species, which is the only member of the genus Tetralepis, is endemic to Java.

<i>Leptodeira septentrionalis</i> Species of snake

Leptodeira septentrionalis, the northern cat-eyed snake, is a species of medium-sized, slightly venomous snake, found from southern Texas to Costa Rica.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Javan spitting cobra</span> Species of snake

The Javan spitting cobra, also called Indonesian cobra or Komodo spitting cobra, is a species of cobra in the family Elapidae, found in the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, including Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Komodo, and others.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Wogan, G.; Grismer, L.; Chan-Ard, T. (2012). "Xenodermus javanicus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2012: e.T190514A1954501. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T190514A1954501.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 Xenodermus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 July 2020.
  3. 1 2 Durso, Andrew M. (10 September 2013). "Dragonsnakes" (blog). Life is short, but snakes are long. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
  4. "[no title cited]". Bulletin of the Raffles Museum (12–14): 172–173. 1936. Retrieved 16 August 2013.[ failed verification ]
    Kopstein, F. (1938). "Ein Beitrag zur Morphologie, Biologie und Ökologie von Xenodermus javanicusReinhardt" [A contribution to the morphology, biology and ecology of Xenodermus javanicus(Reinhardt, 1836)]. Bulletin of the Raffles Museum (in German) (14): 168–174. Retrieved 4 May 2024 via Internet Archive (archive.org). — Found article possibly intended.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Nightshade, Scarlett. "Dragon snake care guide". Creatures of Nightshade (creaturesofnightshade.com). Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  6. de Rooij, Nelly (1917). The Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Vol. II. Ophidia with 117 illustrations. Brill Archive. pp. 44–45. Retrieved 16 August 2013.
  7. Lum, Steven (14 January 2022). "Dragon snake: Does it exist for real? Yes! Is dragon snake venomous?". Journeying the Globe (journeyingtheglobe.com). Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  8. Nightshade, Scarlett. Dragon snake scalation. Creatures of Nightshade (photograph). Retrieved 26 September 2020.
  9. Rovatsos, Michail; Johnson Pokorná, Martina; Kratochvíl, Lukáš (2015). "Differentiation of sex chromosomes and karyotype characterisation in the dragonsnake Xenodermus javanicus (Squamata: Xenodermatidae)". Cytogenetic and Genome Research. 147 (1): 48–54. doi:10.1159/000441646. PMID   26575989. S2CID   20902555.