Smooth snake  (Coronella austriaca)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

This non-venomous snake is very rare in the UK, and is superficially similar in appearance to the adder (Vipera berus), but can be distinguished by a number of features including a rounder head and longer, slender build. It is brown or grey in colour and has dark spots on the upper surface rather than the zig-zag patterning characteristic of the adder. The eye has a round golden iris and the head is brown with a black crown and eye stripes (6). The common name 'smooth snake' refers to the scales, which lack the keel of the other British snakes (2).

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