| Xenopeltis hainanensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Xenopeltidae |
| Genus: | Xenopeltis |
| Species: | X. hainanensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Xenopeltis hainanensis Hu & Zhao, 1972 |
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| Synonyms | |
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Xenopeltis hainanensis jidamingae - Zhao 1995 |
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Xenopeltis hainanensis is a non-venomous sunbeam snake species found in China and Vietnam. This is a primitive snake known for its highly iridescent scales. No subspecies are currently recognized.[2]
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This snake grows to an average of about 1 m (3 ft 3 in). A fossorial species, the head is wedge-shaped and narrow with little neck delineation, which makes it easy to push through the soil. Its most defining characteristic is its iridescent, highly polished scales that give this snake its common name. They have a layer of dark pigmentation just below the surface on each scale that enhances the iridescence. This is a primitive form of snake with both boid and python characteristics; which family it belongs to is still a matter of debate.
Xenopeltis hainanensis is found in "isolated pockets"[3] of southeastern China (from Guangxi east to Zhejiang and south to Hainan) and northern Vietnam.[4] The type locality given is Zhejiang Province, China.
This snake tends to live on forest slopes, at heights between 900 and 1100 metres above sea level.
These snakes are non-venomous constrictors, killing their prey by suffocation in their muscular coils. They are fossorial and spend most of their time below ground.
The diet is varied, consisting primarily of frogs, reptiles, including other snakes, and small mammals. The young look very similar to the adults, except that they have a strong white "collar" of scales evident just below the head. This coloration fades within the first year.
This species of snake is ovoviviparous, with females laying up to 10 eggs at a time.