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Sunbeam Snake or Iridescent Earth Snake Xenopeltis unicolor
 

 

A large sunbeam snake found along Old Upper Thomson Road .

The snake trying to burrow under the leaf litter.

The sunbeam snake has relatively small eyes.

The scales are slightly hexagon.

All photographs taken by Norman Lim and K.W. Chan

 

Interesting Facts: The Sunbeam Snake has scales that reflect colours of the rainbow when placed under bright lights. It is one of the species of snakes that lives below the surface. This burrowing snake depend on tunnels created by other burrowing creatures. Its head is not distinct from the neck. It has a short tail. When disturbed, it defensively spray its attacker with a strong musk.

Size: over 1 m

Diet: Small invertebrates

Activity: Nocturnal and terrestrial-burrowing

Habitat: Forest, agricultural area

References: A Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of Singapore - Kelvin K P Lim