What Does Xenopeltidae Mean?

Xenopeltis the sunbeam snakes, 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. Currently, two species are recognized.

Are sunbeam snakes aggressive?

These snakes go out of the burrows only when they need to hunt and eat. Sunbeam Snakes are solitary and secretive animals that like privacy. They are not aggressive, but they don't find frequent handling a good thing. Frequent handling causes these snakes to feel stressed and disturbed.

Are sunbeam snakes good pets?

Beyond their appearance, sunbeam snakes aren't ideal as a captive pet. They hide most of the time, they're only active at night, sensitive to the environmental conditions of their enclosure, and stress out easily. They can even die from being over-handled and over-stressed.