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Natrix natrix, Linnaeus 1758

EUS: Suge gorbataduna

ING: Grass Snake

The grass snake is a snake robust, medium size, which does not usually exceed 1.20 m. but rarely been given up to 2 m. length long. The dorsal coloration of juveniles may be olive-gray, greenish or brownish, with a series of dark spots scattered throughout its length, although the most obvious feature is the "collar" on the back of the head, which is often interrupted in its central part.

Adult

adults in all of these features are being gradually diluted as they increase in age and size, staying at a uniform dorsal pattern and a necklace almost imperceptible. By contrast, the ventral design both youth and adults is quite contrasting with dark spots on a white background, like a chessboard. Although not abundant, there are rare cases of melanism. The dorsal scales, like the viper snake are keeled.

Youth

is considered an aquatic snake, although it can be found in a variety of wetland habitats such as rivers, swamps, conifer forests, oak forests mixed crops, Fresh Meadows.

melanic

is a diurnal snake, it could be seen active during the months of March, April to October is when you start your period hibernation.

is a completely harmless animal, when threatened twists, emits strong blows, widens the head, making threats of biting, a clear example of Batesian mimicry . If the harassment persists, tends to be the dead, turning the body to show his belly as he opens his mouth and sticks out his tongue (tanatosis). To be captured, like the viper snake, empty their gut contents, leaving a scent not easily forgotten.

"Tanatosis"

feed primarily on amphibians and between them has a predilection for the anurans such as frogs and toads. More rarely eats fish, mammals or reptiles.

keeled scales Detail

The distribution of this species in Europe is large, occupying nearly a whole and including part of West Africa, northwest China and Mongolia. In the Basque Country is next to the N. maura one of the most abundant snakes, occupying all the territory.

Ane Océn

As seen is totally harmless, and the snake also .

Text and photos:

Manu Océn

www.flickr.com/photos/manu_ocen/