Xenopeltis, the sunbeam snakes,^[2] are the sole genus of the monotypic family Xenopeltidae, the species of which are found in Southeast Asia. Sunbeam snakes are known for their highly iridescent scales. Three species are recognized, each one with no subspecies.^[3] Studies of DNA suggest that the xenopeltids are most closely related to the Mexican burrowing python (Loxocemus bicolor) and to the true pythons (Pythonidae).^[4][5]

Quick Facts Xenopeltis, Scientific classification ...

Xenopeltis
Sunbeam snake (X. unicolor)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Serpentes
Family:	Xenopeltidae Bonaparte, 1845
Genus:	Xenopeltis Reinwardt, 1827
Synonyms
Family: Scaptophes Fitzinger, 1843 Xenopeltina Bonaparte, 184S Tortricidae Jan, 1863 Xenopeltidae Cope, 1864 Xenopeltinae Nopcsa, 1928[1] Genus: Xenopeltis F. Boie, 1826 Xenopeltis — Reinwardt In F. Boie, 1827[1]

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Adults can grow up to 1.3 m (51 in) in length.^[6] The head scales are made up of large plates much like those of the Colubridae, while the ventral scales are only slightly reduced. Pelvic vestiges are not present.^[7]

The dorsal color pattern is a reddish-brown, brown, or blackish color. The belly is an unpatterned whitish-gray.^[8] The scales are highly iridescent.^[7]

They are found in Southeast Asia from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, east through Myanmar to southern China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Malay Peninsula and the East Indies to Sulawesi, as well as the Philippines.^[1]

These snakes are fossorial, spending much of their time hidden. They emerge at dusk to actively forage for frogs, other snakes, and small mammals. They are not venomous, and kill their prey with constriction.^[8]

^T) Type species.^[1]

These snakes are not very commonly kept as pets because of their high mortality rate in captivity. Shipping and the first six months in captivity are very stressful and often kill captive snakes. They also have very little tolerance of handling, with the resulting stress leading to premature death. Captive specimens should be provided with a temperature gradient and an easy to burrow substrate. The cage should be kept warm, but not hot, and they should be left alone.