SMOOTH SNAKE
Coronella austriaca
DESCRIPTION
The Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) is a non-venomous snake characterized by its slender body and smooth scales, which can vary in color from gray to brown with darker spots. It typically reaches lengths of 60 to 80 cm, making it one of the smaller European snakes. This species is known for its secretive nature, often hiding under rocks or in leaf litter, and is primarily active during the day, although it can also be seen at dusk.
FUN FACTS
- Smooth Snakes are often mistaken for venomous species due to their coloration and slender shape, but they are completely harmless to humans
- | They play an important role in their ecosystem by controlling populations of small mammals and lizards, contributing to the balance of their habitats
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Length60-80 cm
Diet TypeCarnivore
Social Structuresolitary
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- Smooth Snakes prefer dry, open habitats such as heathlands, grasslands, and scrub areas. They are often found in regions with plenty of cover, such as under stones or in dense vegetation.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland, Heathland
- Native Range
- The Smooth Snake is native to parts of Europe, particularly in the UK, France, Germany, and the Balkans.
- Continent
- Europe
- Countries
- United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Italy, Spain, Croatia
- Diet
- The Smooth Snake primarily feeds on small mammals, lizards, and occasionally amphibians. It uses constriction to subdue its prey before consumption.
- Diet Type
- Carnivore
- Favorite Food
- small mammals, lizards
- Social Structure
- solitary
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
VU
60-80 cm
Length
- Coloration
- smooth scales that can be gray, brown, or reddish with darker spots
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are generally smaller than females
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-12
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The Smooth Snake is considered to have stable populations in some areas, but it faces threats in others.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development. Additionally, road mortality poses a significant risk to their populations.
- Predators
- birds of prey, larger snakes, and mammals such as foxes
- Defense Mechanisms
- When threatened, Smooth Snakes may remain motionless or attempt to escape rather than confront predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon