Xenodermus
| Xenodermus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific 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, is a small non-venomous, semi-fossorial snake species belonging to the monotypic genus Xenodermus. 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. They most often perish once placed into captivity; only a few herpetoculturists have been successful in keeping them.