Grass snake

Natrix natrix

Size: Total length 0.6–1.5 m · 100–240 g
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Sociality: Solitary
Lifespan: —

Grass snake is a non-venomous European snake often associated with wetlands and amphibian prey. When threatened, it may release a foul smell or feign death to deter predators.

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Key facts

Grass snake (Natrix natrix) is a carnivore animal classified as Reptile · Squamata · Colubridae.
Primary habitats are freshwater · grassland · forest · coast, with a range across Palearctic.
Activity is diurnal, sociality is solitary, and conservation status is LC (Least Concern).
Grass snake is a non-venomous European snake often associated with wetlands and amphibian prey.
It uses ponds, riverbanks, damp grassland, woodland edges, and coastal vegetation.

Sources

wikidata.org

Range

Habitat range map

Native rangeOccasional / Transient

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It uses ponds, riverbanks, damp grassland, woodland edges, and coastal vegetation. Main habitat types in this guide are freshwater, grassland, forest, coast.

Appearance

Typical length 60-150 cm, weight 100 g-240 g. A slender body and pale collar marks are typical, with color from gray to olive brown.

Behavior

It is diurnal and usually solitary. It basks by day and often swims while searching for prey.

Feeding

It is carnivorous. Frogs, newts, and small fish are swallowed whole, with small mammals taken rarely.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs in warm rotting vegetation, compost heaps, or leaf litter.

Notes

Although still widespread in places, it remains sensitive to habitat change. When threatened, it may release a foul smell or feign death to deter predators.