In Vietnam, there is a snake species with a remarkably unique outer scale layer. This snake is very gentle towards humans but is considered an enemy of venomous snakes.
Hog-nosed Snake – A Species with Unique Scales
The snake mentioned above is the Hog-nosed Snake, also known as the Xenopeltis, with the scientific name Xenopeltis unicolor. This species belongs to the family Xenopeltidae, which consists of only one genus, Xenopeltis, and two species, including the Hog-nosed Snake and the Hainan Xenopeltis.
Under strong sunlight, the Hog-nosed Snake emits a beautiful, iridescent light.
The common characteristic of these two Xenopeltis species is their scales, which can change color in response to external light. Especially under strong sunlight, the Hog-nosed Snake shines with a captivating multicolored glow.
Xenopeltis snakes can be found in China and Southeast Asian countries such as Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. Among the two Xenopeltis species, the Hog-nosed Snake is more commonly found and easily spotted in Vietnam.
Adult Hog-nosed Snakes range from 1 to 1.2 meters in length, with their heads and necks not distinctly separated. The head of the Hog-nosed Snake is elongated and pointed, allowing them to easily burrow into the ground.
Due to their characteristic iridescent skin, Hog-nosed Snakes are easily recognizable in the wild, even by those who may not have extensive knowledge of animals or reptiles.
Juvenile Hog-nosed Snakes closely resemble adults, except for a white scale layer around their heads, resembling a necklace. This “necklace” fades during the first year of the juvenile Hog-nosed Snake’s life.
Juvenile Hog-nosed Snake stands out with a white “necklace” on its body. (Photo: ThaiNationPark).
In addition to their distinctive color features, Hog-nosed Snakes can also be identified by their body odor. This species emits an unpleasant smell, similar to raw onions. The strong odor allows many people to detect their presence even before seeing them. This may be the origin of the snake’s name.
In Vietnam, Hog-nosed Snakes are commonly found in the Southwestern region. They often hide in dense bushes, near ponds, and in areas inhabited by frogs and toads, which provide a rich food source for them.
Are Hog-nosed Snakes Venomous?
Although they bear the name “Hog,” Hog-nosed Snakes do not belong to the “Hog” family of venomous snakes. As mentioned earlier, Hog-nosed Snakes are members of the Xenopeltidae family, which is non-venomous.
Hog-nosed Snakes – The Nemesis of Venomous Snakes
Due to their non-venomous nature, Hog-nosed Snakes hunt by using their muscular strength to constrict and kill their prey before consuming it. Their hunting method is similar to that of pythons and other non-venomous snakes.
Hog-nosed Snake using muscular strength to constrict and kill its prey. (Photo: ResearchGate).
One unique feature that enhances the hunting efficiency of Hog-nosed Snakes is that their teeth are not fixed but can flexibly bend up or down. When hunting, the teeth of the Hog-nosed Snake sink into the prey and bend backward, helping to secure the catch, making it difficult for the prey to escape. Additionally, this tooth structure also aids Hog-nosed Snakes in swallowing their prey whole.
Another impressive feature of Hog-nosed Snakes is their ability to resist the venom of some venomous snakes, including certain species from the cobra family, such as king cobras, Malayan pit vipers, and others. This allows Hog-nosed Snakes to hunt and consume venomous snakes they encounter.
Hog-nosed Snake constricting a Malayan pit viper, a venomous snake from the cobra family. (Photo: TBH).
Of course, Hog-nosed Snakes can only kill and consume venomous snakes that are smaller than themselves. If they encounter larger venomous snakes, such as the king cobra, Hog-nosed Snakes may struggle to defeat their adversary and could become prey themselves.
Many experts believe that if you encounter a Hog-nosed Snake in your garden, you should not kill or chase it away. Instead, allow them to remain as they can help reduce the population of venomous snakes in your garden.
In addition to venomous snakes, Hog-nosed Snakes have a very diverse diet, including frogs, toads, lizards, and some small mammals.
Hog-nosed Snakes – Gentle Creatures Towards Humans
Although regarded as the nemesis of venomous snakes, Hog-nosed Snakes are very gentle and rarely attack humans. Even when held in human hands, they typically try to escape.
A Hog-nosed Snake encountered in Kien Giang Province. (Photo: Tran Tri Dung).
Many believe that with their gentle nature and vibrant colors, Hog-nosed Snakes would be a favored choice for pet owners.
However, as mentioned earlier, Hog-nosed Snakes emit a distinctive odor that many find unpleasant. Additionally, they often do not survive well in captivity, making them an unsuitable choice for pets.
Conclusion
The Hog-nosed Snake is a gentle and beneficial species in the ecosystem. This snake can be easily recognized by its distinctive appearance, so if you encounter one in the wild, it is best to leave it alone and keep your distance.
