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{{Short description|Genus of snakes}}
{{Short description|Genus of snakes}}
{{use dmy dates |date=May 2024}}
{{Speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
| image = Dragon Snake Xenodermus javanicus.jpg
| image = Dragon Snake Xenodermus javanicus.jpg
Line 5: Line 6:
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Wogan, G. |author2=Grismer, L. |author3=Chan-Ard, T. |date=2012 |title=''Xenodermus javanicus'' |volume=2012 |page=e.T190514A1954501 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T190514A1954501.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN-2012>
{{cite iucn
|last1 = Wogan |first1 = G.
|last2 = Grismer |first2 = L.
|last3 = Chan-Ard |first3 = T.
|year = 2012
|title = ''Xenodermus javanicus''
|volume = 2012 |page=e.T190514A1954501
|doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T190514A1954501.en
|access-date=19 November 2021
}}
</ref>
| genus = Xenodermus
| genus = Xenodermus
| parent_authority = [[Johannes Theodor Reinhardt|J. T. Reinhardt]], 1836
| parent_authority = [[Johannes Theodor Reinhardt|Reinhardt]], 1836
| species = javanicus
| species = javanicus
| authority = Reinhardt, 1836
| authority = Reinhardt, 1836
}}
}}


'''''Xenodermus javanicus''''', also known as the '''dragon snake''', '''Javan tubercle snake''', '''Javan mudsnake''', or '''rough-backed litter snake''',<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" /><ref name="RDB" /><ref name="snakesarelong" /> is a small non-venomous, semi-fossorial snake species belonging to the monotypic genus ''Xenodermus''.<ref>{{cite book|last=Various|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4-fRAAAAMAAJ|title=Bulletin of the Raffles Museum, Issues 12-14|publisher=University of Michigan|year=1936|pages=172–173|access-date=2013-08-16}}</ref> This species is best known for their characteristic dorsal scales and interesting defense mechanism in which they stiffen their entire bodies when threatened. ''X.&nbsp;javanicus'' is nocturnal and subsists on a diet of frogs, tadpoles and small fish.<ref name="Dragon Snake Care Guide">{{Cite web|title=Dragon Snake Care Guide|url= https://www.creaturesofnightshade.com/dragonsnakecareguide |access-date=2020-09-26|website=Creatures of Nightshade|language=en}}</ref> While they are known to perish once placed into captivity, some herpetoculturists have been successful in keeping them.
'''''Xenodermus javanicus''''', also known as the '''dragon snake''', '''Javan tubercle snake''', '''Javan mudsnake''', or '''rough-backed litter snake''',<ref name=IUCN-2012/><ref name=RDB/><ref name=snakesarelong/> is a small non-venomous, semi-[[fossorial]] snake species belonging to the monotypic genus ''Xenodermus''.<ref>
{{cite journal
|title={{grey|[no title cited]}}
|year=1936
|journal=Bulletin of the Raffles Museum
|issue = 12–14 |pages=172–173
<!-- |publisher=National Museum |place=Singapore -->
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4-fRAAAAMAAJ
|access-date=2013-08-16}}{{failed verification |date = 2024-05-04 |reason = no such page listed on linked page}}
<br/>
{{cite journal
|last = Kopstein |first = F.
|year = 1938
|title = Ein Beitrag zur Morphologie, Biologie und Ökologie von ''Xenodermus javanicus'' {{small|Reinhardt}} |lang=de
|trans-title = A contribution to the morphology, biology and ecology of ''Xenodermus javanicus'' {{small|(Reinhardt, 1836)}}
|journal = Bulletin of the Raffles Museum
<!-- |publisher=National Museum |place=Singapore -->
|issue = 14 |pages = 168–174
|url = https://archive.org/details/bulletin-raffles-museum-14-168-174
|access-date = 2024-05-04 |url-status = live
|via = [[Internet Archive]] (archive.org)
}} — Found article possibly intended.
</ref> This species is best known for their characteristic dorsal scales and interesting defense mechanism in which they stiffen their entire bodies when threatened. ''X.&nbsp;javanicus'' is nocturnal and subsists on a diet of frogs, tadpoles and small fish.<ref name=dragon-snake-care Guide" >
{{cite web
|last=Nightshade |first=Scarlett
|title = Dragon snake care guide
|website=Creatures of Nightshade (creaturesofnightshade.com)
|url = https://www.creaturesofnightshade.com/dragonsnakecareguide
|access-date = 2020-09-26 |lang = en
}}
</ref>
They most often perish once placed into captivity; only a few herpetoculturists have been successful in keeping them.


==Distribution and habitat==
==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).<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" /><ref name=RDB/> It inhabits damp areas near water, including forests, swamps, marshes, and rice fields, at elevations below {{cvt|1300|m}}, but most commonly between {{cvt|500|–|1100|m}} [[above sea level]].<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" />
''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).<ref name=IUCN-2012/><ref name=RDB/> It inhabits damp areas near water, including forests, swamps, marshes, and rice fields, at elevations below {{cvt|1300|m}}, but most commonly between {{cvt|500|–|1100|m}} [[above sea level]].<ref name=IUCN-2012/>


==Description==
==Description==
''Xenodermus javanicus'' has a distinct head and long tail. The body is slender and compressed. The total length is about {{cvt|50|cm|in|0}}.<ref name=deRooij-1917/><ref>
⚫
''Xenodermus javanicus'' has a distinct head and long tail. The body is slender and compressed. The total length is about {{cvt|50|cm|in|0}}.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lum|first=Steven|date=2022-01-14|title=Dragon Snake: Does it Exist for REAL? Yes! Is Dragon Snake Venomous?|url=https://www.journeyingtheglobe.com/dragon-snake-does-it-exist-for-real/|access-date=2022-01-14|website=Journeying The Globe|language=en-us}}</ref><ref name="Rooij 1917"/> 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 and have thinner, shorter tails while lacking a hemipenial bulge. Conversely, males will be smaller in comparison, have thicker, longer tails and exhibit a hemipenial bulge.<ref name="Dragon Snake Care Guide"/>
{{cite web
|last = Lum |first = Steven
|date = 2022-01-14
|title = Dragon snake: Does it exist for ''real''? Yes! Is dragon snake venomous?
|website = Journeying the Globe (journeyingtheglobe.com)
|url = https://www.journeyingtheglobe.com/dragon-snake-does-it-exist-for-real/
|access-date = 2022-01-14
|lang = en-us
}}
</ref>
⚫
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.<ref name=dragon-snake-care/>


[[File:Dragon Snake Scalation.jpg|alt=|none|thumb|342x342px|Scalation of ''Xenodermus javanicus''<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nightshade|first=Scarlett|title=Creatures of Nightshade|url=https://www.creaturesofnightshade.com/|access-date=2020-09-26|website=Creatures of Nightshade|language=en}}</ref>]]
[[File:Dragon Snake Scalation.jpg|alt=|none|thumb|342x342px|Scalation of ''Xenodermus javanicus''<ref>
{{cite AV media
|last=Nightshade |first=Scarlett
|medium = photograph
|title = Dragon snake scalation
|website = Creatures of Nightshade
|url = https://www.creaturesofnightshade.com/
|access-date = 2020-09-26
|lang = en
}}
</ref>]]


==Differentiation of sex chromosomes and karyotype characterization==
==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 2n=36. The karyotype includes heteromorphic ZZ/ZW [[sex chromosome]]s with a heterochromatic W.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Rovatsos |first1=Michail |last2=Johnson Pokorná |first2=Martina |last3=Kratochvíl |first3=Lukáš |name-list-style=amp |title=Differentiation of sex chromosomes and karyotype characterisation in the dragonsnake ''Xenodermus javanicus'' (Squamata: Xenodermatidae) |journal=Cytogenetic and Genome Research |date=2015 |volume=147 |issue=1 |pages=48–54 |doi=10.1159/000441646|pmid=26575989 |s2cid=20902555 }}</ref>
''Xenodermus javanicus'' has an unusual chromosomal number of {{nobr| 2{{mvar|n}} {{=}} 32 ,}} contrasting with the most typical snake [[karyotype]] with a stable chromosomal number of {{nobr| 2 {{mvar|n}} {{=}} 36 .}} The karyotype includes heteromorphic ZZ/ZW [[sex chromosome]]s with a heterochromatic W.<ref>
{{cite journal
|first1=Michail |last1=Rovatsos
|first2=Martina |last2=Johnson Pokorná
|first3=Lukáš |last3=Kratochvíl
|year=2015
|title=Differentiation of sex chromosomes and karyotype characterisation in the dragonsnake ''Xenodermus javanicus'' (Squamata: Xenodermatidae)
|journal=Cytogenetic and Genome Research
|volume=147 |issue=1 |pages=48–54
|doi=10.1159/000441646
|pmid=26575989 |s2cid=20902555
}}</ref>


==Behavior==
==Behavior==
===Breeding===
===Breeding===
''Xenodermus javanicus'' undergo reproduction by egg and have low fecundity (2–4 eggs).<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" /><ref name=RDB/>
''Xenodermus javanicus'' undergo reproduction by egg and have low fecundity (2–4&nbsp;eggs).<ref name=IUCN-2012/><ref name=RDB/>


===Activity pattern===
===Activity pattern===
''Xenodermus javanicus'' are [[nocturnal]].<ref name="Dragon Snake Care Guide"/>
''Xenodermus javanicus'' are [[nocturnal]].<ref name=dragon-snake-care/>


===Diet===
===Diet===
''Xenodermus javanicus'' subsist mainly on frogs, tadpoles and small fish.<ref name="Dragon Snake Care Guide"/>
''Xenodermus javanicus'' subsist mainly on frogs, tadpoles, and small fish.<ref name=dragon-snake-care/>


===Behaviors===
===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 musk.<ref name=snakesarelong/><ref name="Dragon Snake Care Guide"/>
''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''.<ref name=snakesarelong/><ref name=dragon-snake-care/>


==Conservation status==
==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.<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021" />
''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.<ref name=IUCN-2012/>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
{{reflist|25em|refs=
<ref name=deRooij-1917>
<ref name="Rooij 1917">{{cite book |last=Rooij |first=Nelly de |title=The Reptiles of the Indo-australian Archipelago. II Ophidia with 117 Illustrations |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xjZCAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA44 |access-date=2013-08-16 |year=1917 |publisher=Brill Archive |pages=44–45}}</ref>
{{cite book
|last=de Rooij |first=Nelly
|year=1917
|title=The Reptiles of the Indo-Australian Archipelago
|volume=II. Ophidia with 117&nbsp;illustrations
|access-date=2013-08-16
|publisher=Brill Archive
|pages=44–45
|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xjZCAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA44
}}
</ref>


<ref name=RDB>{{NRDB genus |genus=Xenodermus |date=2 July |year=2020}}</ref>
<ref name=RDB>{{NRDB genus |genus=Xenodermus |date=2 July |year=2020}}</ref>


<ref name=snakesarelong>
<ref name=snakesarelong>{{cite web |url=http://snakesarelong.blogspot.com/2013/09/dragonsnakes.html |title=Dragonsnakes |author=Andrew M. Durso |date=10 September 2013 |work=Life is Short, but Snakes are Long |access-date=2 July 2020}}</ref>
{{cite web
|first = Andrew M. |last = Durso
|date = 10 September 2013
|title = Dragonsnakes
|series = Life is short, but snakes are long
|type = blog
|url = http://snakesarelong.blogspot.com/2013/09/dragonsnakes.html
|access-date = 2 July 2020
}}
</ref>

}}
}}


Revision as of 03:27, 5 May 2024

Xenodermus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
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.

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[8]

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]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f 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. ^ a b c Xenodermus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 2 July 2020.
  3. ^ a b 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 javanicus Reinhardt" [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).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) — Found article possibly intended.
  5. ^ a b c d e 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.
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