The Kapuas mud snake (Enhydris gyii) is a native Borneo species of snakes that can change its epidermal color spontaneously. Named after the Kapuas River, the snake's chameleon-like behaviour was discovered in 2005 accidentally when a specimen was put in a dark bucket. The snake's skin turned pale white 20 minutes later. Scientists determined the snake as a new species belongs to the Enhydris genus. Like all Homalopsinae, the 30 inches (76 cm) long snake is mildly venomous (rear-fanged) and viviparous.
Famous quotes containing the words mud and/or snake:
“The swimming hole is still in use. It has the same mudbank. It is still impossible to dress without carrying mud home in one’s inner garments. As an engineer I could devise improvements for that swimming hole. But I doubt if the decrease in mother’s grief at the homecoming of muddy boys would compensate the inherent joys of getting muddy.”
—Herbert Hoover (1874–1964)
“The snake that cannot shed its skin perishes. Likewise those spirits who are prevented from changing their opinions; they cease to be spirits.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900)