Xenodermus javanicus, or the dragon snake, is a small and unique species of Colubrid snake renowned for its unusual but fascinating appearance. Also k
Xenodermus javanicus, or the dragon snake, is a small and unique species of Colubrid snake renowned for its unusual but fascinating appearance. Also known as the Javan tubercle snake, Javan mud snake, and rough-backed litter snake, the reptile sometimes exhibits a particularly interesting behavior when handled: it will stiffen its entire body, as if it were instantaneously frozen.While dragon snakes are very reclusive by nature, they are incredible to observe when they come out during the night to hunt and explore.
Sexing Dragon Snakes
Sexing dragon snakes is relatively simple if you know what to look for. You do not want to pop or probe these snakes as they are very thin and fragile, and the risk of hurt- ing them is too great. Instead, tail sexing is a much easier and less invasive method of sexing your snake. Females can be distinguished from males as they are heavier-bodied, have a more slender tail, and lack a hemipenial bulge. Males on the other hand are more slim-bodied, have a thicker tail and a distinct hemipenial bulge.
Photo by Scarlett Nightshade
The downside to keeping dragon snakes is that they are not yet established in captivity, thus all available specimens are currently wild-caught imports. If you are interested in keeping this species, it is highly recommended that you have experience establishing wild-caught reptiles. While a small handful of people have been successful in keeping dragon snakes, this species is best suited for advanced keepers until established captive-bred specimens are more readily available.
Dragon Snake Enclosure
Due to their small size, dragon snakes do not require large enclosures. I have been keeping smaller dragon snakes in 15qt. Sterilite locking tubs, and larger snakes in 32qt. tubs; however, I am currently experimenting with naturalistic paludarium that will mimic their wild environment, with future plans to include a running water feature. I provide them with a few hides, a bit of artificial foliage for extra cover, and a water dish buried up to the rim with substrate. When first establishing dragon snakes, I highly suggest keeping the water dish under their hide, as this allows them to feel more secure while hunting. Over time however, your dragon snake should begin to feel more comfortable with their surroundings and venture outside of their hide(s). Patience is key when keeping this species.
Dragon Snake Substrate and Humidity
Dragons snakes require consistently high humidity at all times and often spend a majority of their time underground. In order to satisfy their semi-fossorial (burrowing) nature and maintain humidity levels of 90%+, I prefer to use organic potting soil for substrate. It is crucial that you are not using a substrate that you must constantly modify by adding water to maintain humidity levels, as minimal interaction with this species is best to avoid additional stress.
Dragon snakes do not require external heat and should ideally be kept in a temperature-controlled room between 75-77°F (23.9-25.0°C). Photo by Scarlett Nightshade.
Dragon snakes are more vulnerable to skin diseases, thus it is important to keep the environment as sanitary as possible.
Adding a drainage layer to allow for a more even distribution of moisture through the substrate is highly recommended to help maintain humidity.
Dragon Snake Heating
Dragon snakes do not require external heat and should ideally be kept in a temperature-controlled room between 75-77°F (23.9-25.0°C). High temperatures are detrimental to this species, so do not overheat them! If your house is kept cool and you are unable to maintain a room temperature within this threshold, you can mount a 60W ceramic heat emitter (CHE) above the enclosure to meet their heating requirements. You will have to calibrate the temperatures by adjusting the height from the CHE to the enclosure, starting from the farthest distance and gradually moving closer as necessary. Always use a thermostat with any and all heat sources.
Diet and Feeding
Feeding dragon snakes is very straightforward as long as they have settled in well. In the wild, their diet primarily consists of tadpoles, frogs and small fish. I have had the most success feeding mosquito fish, treefrog tadpoles and developed treefrog adults. You can find feeder fish and treefrog tadpoles from various suppliers at your local fish store or eBay. Smaller snakes will be of size to take medium to large sized treefrog tadpoles or small feeder fish, which are easily offered by placing three to five tadpoles or one to two fish in the water dish every five days.You will want to keep the water in the dish as shallow as possible, allowing only enough water for the tadpoles or fish to comfortably swim, otherwise they will jump out.
Dragon snakes eat fish and small amphibians. Photo by Ariawesomeness/Shutterstock
Regarding feeder fish, the species of fish you feed does matter. You want to avoid feeding species that are high in thiaminase, which is an enzyme that breaks down thiamine (vitamin B1), a crucial vitamin that all living things need to metabolize in order to function and grow. Mosquito fish (Gambusia affinis), guppies (Poecilia reticulata) and platies (Xiphophorus maculatus) are all species of fish considered safe to feed in regards to their thiaminase content. Larger snakes should be fed developed treefrogs and/or large feeder fish.
It is worth noting that developed treefrogs are a bit more difficult to hunt as it seems the frogs will often find a comfortable spot at the top of the enclosure nestled right where the lip of the lid meets the bin.This can present a bit of a challenge since dragon snakes prefer to stay within the confines of their hide or under the substrate, especially when you are first beginning to establish them. However, being that developed frogs and feeder fish are significantly larger in size and thus more nutritious than treefrog tadpoles, I recommend switching over to one or the other as your dragon snake approaches adulthood.
Treating for Snake Parasites
One of the biggest concerns that comes with all wild-caught snakes is the potential parasite load they often bring. I treat all wild-caught snakes for internal parasites within a week upon arrival, and I immediately treat external parasites if they are present, as well. External parasites are easy to detect and relatively simple to treat, and there are various online resources on how to treat them — but the same cannot be said for internal parasites. Many inexperienced keepers who acquire a wild caught import believe the best course of action is to rush them to their veterinarian for an in-depth examination. Unfortunately, the stress they are put through as a result of the veterinary visit is sometimes a major cause for decline and eventually death.
One of the biggest concerns that comes with all wild-caught snakes is the potential parasite load they often bring. Photo by Scarlett Nightshade
When keeping wild-caught snakes, it is crucial to avoid stressing them as much as possible, and this includes being poked, prodded and excessively handled by a vet. This is where experience comes into play. Knowing how to examine and identify potential issues with your snake and how to treat them without rushing them to the vet is extremely helpful in assuring the survival of such sensitive animals. In order to do so, I highly suggest establishing a good relationship with your herp veterinarian. I am able to treat all snakes for parasites at home because my veterinarian prescribes the medication via Telemedicine, allowing me to receive the necessary medication for my wild-caught imports without having to put them through the stress of a long drive and physical examination.
Treatment for internal parasites includes an oral administration of Metronidazole (0.04mg/g) given once within the first week of arrival and then once more two weeks after the first dose.This medication is also effective against many strains of bacteria, and will also treat certain illnesses such as a respiratory infection. Since Metronidazole is typically prescribed in a 250mg tablet, it must first be dissolved in water to be administered to your snake.mYour veterinarian can help you find the correct ratio in which you will dissolve the medication in, which will depend on the weight of your snake and dosage information provided above.
For reference, dissolving one 250mg tablet of Metronidazole in 10ml of water would be administered at 0.04ml for a 25g dragon snake. I also treat each group of tadpoles and fish for parasites a week prior to feeding them off.You can use Metronidazole for treating your feeders. I add 12 grams of Metronidazole per every 5 cups of water they are in. After crushing the tablet, use a high precision scale that measures in milligrams to measure out the correct ratio. Please reach out to your herp veterinarian if you are unsure on how to calculate the proper ratio.
Conclusion
As with most wild caught imports, it is important to limit handling to only when medically necessary. I never handle my dragon snakes for interaction or personal benefit.While this may change when captive bred status is obtained, for now it is best to avoid putting these snakes through any unnecessary stress.They are particularly fragile and will quickly decline under stress.
I also recommend keeping them in a dark or dimly lit room. I allow a small amount of natural light to peek indirectly through a window. Absolutely no artificial light sources; this is a semi-fossorial nocturnal species, and light should only be provided through natural means to help them regulate. In summary, dragon snakes are a fascinating species to keep for those with lengthy experience with wild-caught reptiles.While they are best suited for advanced keepers due to their current status in captivity, I hope the information provided in this guide will help the small community of those who keep them in assuring they thrive in their care.With the persistent effort of dedicated keepers, perhaps we will see more captive-bred hatchlings in the future.
FAMILY: Colubridae
SCIENTIFIC NAME: Xenodermus javanicus
LIFESPAN: 8-10+ years
SIZE: Average 2 – 2 1/2 feet
HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION: Southeast Asia; inhabiting swamps, marshes and rice paddies
Scarlett Nightshade works with dragon snakes, paradise flying snakes, and false water cobras, and is a breeder of corn snakes, kingsnakes, and milksnakes, among others. For more information, visit creaturesofnightshade.com
