Sunbeam Snake

The Sunbeam Snakes (Xenopeltis unicolor) is the sole genus of the monotypic family Xenopeltidae, the species of which are found in Southeast Asia. The scales of sunbeam snakes are renowned for their intense iridescence. There are now two recognized species. According to DNA research, the real pythons of the Pythonidae family and the Mexican burrowing python, Loxocemus bicolor, are the xenopeltids' closest relatives.

The extremely iridescent scales that cover the whole body of sunbeam snakes are chiefly responsible for their stunning appearance. Their basic body color, which is a duller gray, black, or brown, changes drastically in the presence of sunshine. Nevertheless, due to their high fossorial and propensity for burrowing underground, they can be difficult to locate and are often solitary. Adults can grow up to 1.3 m (51 in) in length.