Grass snake  (Natrix natrix)

Species information

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Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

Glossary

Hibernate: a winter survival strategy characteristic of some mammals in which an animal's metabolic rate slows down and a state of deep sleep is attained. Whilst hibernating, animals survive on stored reserves of fat that they have accumulated in summer. In insects, the correct term for hibernation is 'diapause', a temporary pause in development and growth. Any stage of the lifecycle (eggs, larvae, pupae or adults) may enter diapause, which is typically associated with winter.
Subspecies: a different race of a species, which is geographically separated from other populations of that species.

References

  1. National Biodiversity Network Species Dictionary (March 2003):
    http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nbn
  2. Beebee, T. & Griffiths, R. (2000) Amphibians and reptiles: a natural history of the British herpetofauna. Harper Collins Publishers Ltd., London.
  3. The Reptile Trust (March 2003):
    http://www.reptiletrust.com
  4. Buczacki, S. (2002) Fauna Britannica. Hamlyn, London.
  5. Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan (March 2003):
    http://www.sbap.org.uk/saps/gsnake.htm
  6. The Herpetological Conservation Trust- Grass snake fact sheet (March 2003):
    http://www.hcontrst.force9.co.uk