Archives of The Cold Blooded News

The Newsletter of the Colorado Herpetological Society

Volume 29, Number 10;   October, 2002

Sunbeam Snake

by Kelly Culley

Belonging to the family "Xenopeltidae", originally described in 1827, there is some debate as to the taxonomy of this species, with little attention given to it over the past 175 years! Some taxonomists believe Sunbeams are related to the cylinder snakes (Aniliidae), while others believe they are more related to the Neotropical pythons (Loxocemidae). Whatever the rate, the Sunbeams are definitively unlike any of the other 2700 different snake species. A highly burrowing animal, it is believed the Sunbeam has adapted to this behavior of evolving with flattened heads and small eyes, which allow it to easily penetrate various substrates. Sunbeams also possess equal-sized teeth that are attached to ligaments within the skull's anatomy, instead of bone. This allows them to take prey faster than other snakes, and, also, not expose themselves any longer than needed above ground, where they are vulnerable prey themselves.

The most notable of all traits of the Sunbeam snake is its highly iridescent scales, which cover its entire length. Sunbeams have microscopic structures that contribute to their iridescence, while most snakes' color results from pigment. Furthermore, some snakes experience "cryptic coloration" in which their color changes as they mature. The Sunbeam's overall appearance remains the same throughout its life, with the exception they are born with a pure white patch on their nape, which disappears as they mature.

Native to Southeast Asia and Southern China, they are found in a range of habitats, including forests, along waterways, marshes, damp rice fields, as well as inhabitant areas. The Sunbeam is mostly nocturnal, spending most of its day just below the ground's surface, hunting at night and feeding on small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles, including other snakes. They thrive well in high humid conditions and enjoy a good soak.

In June 2001, my wife and I noticed some Sunbeam snakes for sale at the Indianapolis Reptile Show. Being "well-rounded" reptile lovers, we just had to get one of these beautiful snakes! Several other herpetologists advised us that purchasing a Sunbeam was a poor decision! They said they don't acclimate well and are difficult feeders. Moreover, they said wild-caught individuals usually die in captivity. My wife was determined to have it, so we bought it.

After a brief acclimation period, our "difficult feeder" eagerly accepted a live rat pup, and readily took one a week for the next few weeks. Shortly after this we encountered a wonderful surprise! Our Sunbeam laid 7 big viable eggs: an event that is almost unheard of! I immediately set up an incubator (shoebox w/ damp sphagnum moss) with a constant temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Six big vibrant babies hatched in late November 2001. The first one hatched with a gestation period of 52 days, and the others hatched up to three days later. All the babies ate voluntarily after their first shed on live newborn pink mice, and have eaten every week since. The mother quickly regained her weight, and has eaten every week as well.

We at Kelsha Exotics are adding the Sunbeam snake to our captive-breeding program. With our dedication and persistence, hopefully we will make this iridescent beauty a captive-bred marvel, so that others may add to their collection.

In the field of herpetology that we all share and enjoy, this experience shows that there can be new, positive, and rewarding surprises when we least expect it!