Water Snake
A fascinating behaviour exhibited by the Water Snake (Natrix tesselata) is its ability to feign death when in danger. In certain instances, it may go to the extent of drawing blood from its mouth as part of this defensive strategy.
This is a medium-sized snake, with males reaching lengths up to 90 centimetres, while the largest females can grow up to 120 centimetres. It features a slender, elongated head with nostrils and eyes positioned relatively high, facilitating easier breathing and vision in water. The snake exhibits a diverse colouring palette in shades of grey and green, adorned with regularly arranged black spots along its back.
The species holds a favourable conservation status.
Information: http://herpatlas.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Atlas_Amphibians_and_Reptiles_of_Greece.pdf
Text editing: DiscoverCrete Editorial Team
Photo 1: GeorgiakakisP / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
Photo 2: Dretakis,M. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
The fauna of Crete
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus)Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus)Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) (Hieraaetus fasciatus)Eleonora's FalconThe European Rabbit or ConeyGiorgalidiko: Domestic Horse, North-western European HorseThe Cretan BadgerGolden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)Mute SwanCretan wildcatButterflies and Moths of the islandCretan Tracker: Europe's Oldest Hound, a Gift from ZeusCretan shrewKri-kri, the Cretan Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus cretica)Least WeaselBatsEuropean Fat/Edible DormouseThe Balkan Terrapin or Western Caspian Terrapin (Mauremys Rivulata)Cat SnakeBalkan Whip SnakeMarginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)Greek turtleEuropean Ratsnake or Leopard SnakeThe BullfrogThe European Green ToadCommon KingfisherCaretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle)ColeopteraFossil Vertebrates of CreteHippopotamus creutzburgiAthene cretensisElephas chaniensisEndemic Pleistocene mammalsDeinotherium giganteum