European Ratsnake or Leopard Snake

The Leopard Snake (Zamenis situla) is a non-venomous snake; however, it is currently under threat due to habitat degradation caused by extensive residential expansion, and many individuals are killed on the streets.

It preys primarily on rodents, while the young ones feed on insects and lizards.

It reaches a length of up to 1.20 metres and has smooth scales. Its base colour is beige, and it comes in two colour varieties: the ribbed, featuring two parallel orange-red streaks, and the punctate, adorned with a series of red spots framed by a black border. Black or black-red spots are present on the sides.

Information: HERE

Text editing: DiscoverCrete Editorial Team

Photos: Trichas,A. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete