Javan Tubercle Snake

Xenodermus javanicus has a distinct head and long tail. The body is slender and compressed. The total length is about 50 cm (20 in). Males can be distinguished from females by examining the overall size, tail thickness, tail length, and cloacal vent for the presence of a hemipenial bulge: Females will be larger than males; have thinner, shorter tails, and lack a hemipenial bulge. Conversely, males will be smaller in comparison, have thicker, longer tails and exhibit a hemipenial bulge.

Xenodermus javanicus is found in the Malay Peninsula (Malaysia, Thailand, and one old record from the southernmost tip of Myanmar) and parts of the Greater Sunda Islands (Sumatra, Java, and Borneo, as well as some smaller islands). It inhabits damp areas near water, including forests, swamps, marshes, and rice fields, at elevations below 1,300 m (4,300 ft), but most commonly between 500–1,100 m (1,600–3,600 ft) above sea level.

Xenodermus javanicus exhibit a peculiar property when encountering perceived threats in which they stiffen their entire body to defend themselves. They may also emit a foul-smelling odour called a musk.