The dragon snake is a unique species of snake that is rarely seen in captivity. The species was first described in 1836 by a Danish zoologist named Johannes T. Reinhardt. Xenodermus javanicus, or the dragon snake, is a small and unique species of colubrid snake famous for its unusual yet fascinating appearance.

As the name suggests, the Dragon Snake belongs to the genus Xenodermus. This is a monotypic genus, meaning it consists of only one species. The family of snakes that this species belongs to is called Xenodermidae. This is a family of snakes that consists of 5 genera. None of these snakes are usually kept as pets. Some of the species that belong to this family include the odd-scaled snakes and the Bornean red snake. The Dragon Snake is a relatively small species, growing to a maximum length of around 2 feet. They are generally grey in color with a white belly. They have a slender body with a very long tail. The head is also very distinct and they have large black eyes. The most distinctive feature of these snakes are the scales on their back. They have 3 rows of large keeled scales that run the length of their back. This is similar to the typical depiction of a dragon’s back, hence their name.

While dragon snakes are very solitary by nature, it is amazing to watch them when they come out during the night to ʜᴜɴᴛ and explore. Sᴇxɪɴɢ dragon snakes is relatively simple if you know what to look for. You don’t want to pop or probe these snakes, as they are very thin and fragile, and the risk of ʜᴜʀᴛ- ɪɴɢ is too great. Instead, tail sᴇxɪɴɢ is a much easier and less ɪɴᴠᴀsɪᴠᴇ method of sᴇxɪɴɢing your snake. Females can be distinguished from males because they have a heavier body, a thinner tail, and lack a hemipenial bulge. Males, on the other hand, are slimmer, have a thicker tail, and a distinctive hemipenial bulge. While a small handful of people have had success breeding dragon snakes, this species is best suited for advanced keepers until more established, captive-bred specimens become available. Dragon snakes require high, consistent humidity at all times and often spend most of their time underground. To satisfy their semi-fossorial (burrowing) nature and maintain humidity levels above 90%. Feeding dragon snakes is very simple as long as they have adapted well. In the wild, their diet consists primarily of tadpoles, frogs, and small fish.

A Dragon Snake is not a species you should consider if you want a snake that you can take out and handle all the time. This snake can easily become timid and will often refuse to eat after excessive handling. This is a species that is best left to experienced keepers due to their very specific care needs, difficult diet, and shy nature. While they are impressive, they don’t even make a good display animal as they will spend most of the day hiding.