Smooth Snake
colours
Description
They are a slender snake covered in smooth flat scales and vary in colour from grey, brown to reddish-brown with a pattern of dark spots running down the back. They also have a dark stripe running from the neck through the eye to the nostril. Their eyes are orange with a round black pupil and the tongue is reddish-brown. The smooth scales may be an adaptation to their burrowing underground.
Primary Image
Scientific Name
Coronella austriaca
Distribution
Confined to the South of England.
Life Span
Up to 12 years
Habitat
They prefer dry sunny places such as open woodland embankments and heathland.
Length
50-60cm can attain 85cm
Confusion Species
Reproduction
They start to breed in April/May and the male will grip the females neck or head in his jaws while their lower bodies entwine during copulation. The female gives birth to 6-15 young, which develop inside an egg membrane within her body. They are born in the egg sac, which they immediately rupture with their heads after birth. The young are active following birth.
Also Known As
Diet
Behaviour
They will hunt during the day but prefer to lie under rocks and stones or sunbating on bright days. They are slow moving creatures, often freezing if approached, relying on their camouflage for cover. Like Grass Sankes they can emit a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands if handled.
Status
They are very rare and are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) from being killed, injured or sold.