Grows to an average of about 1 m (3 ft 3 in).
A fossorial species, the head is wedge-shaped and narrow with little neck delineation, which makes it easy to push through the soil.
Its most defining characteristic is its iridescent, highly polished scales that give this snake its common name.
They have a layer of dark pigmentation just below the surface on each scale that enhances the iridescence.
The youngs look very similar to the adults, except that they have a strong white "collar" of scales evident just below the head.
This coloration fades within the first year.


This is a primitive form of snake with both boid and python characteristics; which family it belongs to is still a matter of debate.
Grows to an average of about 1 m (3 ft 3 in). A fossorial species, the head is wedge-shaped and narrow with little neck delineation, which makes it easy to push through the soil. Its most defining characteristic is its iridescent, highly polished scales that give this snake its common name. They have a layer of dark pigmentation just below the surface on each scale that enhances the iridescence. The youngs look very similar to the adults, except that they have a strong white "collar" of scales evident just below the head. This coloration fades within the first year.

This is a primitive form of snake with both boid and python characteristics; which family it belongs to is still a matter of debate.
Xenopeltis unicolor