Sunbeam Snake

Xenopeltis unicolor

I was very intrigued to find this reptile while reading an animal encyclopedia recently. Otherwise known as the Sunbeam Snake,  its defining characteristic is its iridescence, seen through its highly polished scales. The layer of dark pigmentation found just below the surface on each scale enhances the snake's luminous glow. It  is non-venomous, found typically in the forests of Southeast Asia and some regions of Indonesia.