Smooth Snake Fact File
The
Smooth snake fact file
Smooth Snake
- Common name – smooth snake
- Scientific name – coronella austriaca
- Size – a typical adult will be between 40 and 60cm long
- Identification tips – body colour varies between silvery-grey and a gingery-brown, with a mottled black pattern running the entire length of the body. At first glance, smooth snakes can be confused with adders because of this, but a smooth snake has a more slender build. The top of the head is often a darker shade to the body, and a black stripe running across each eye is often present.
- Preferred habitat – light, sandy heathlands are the preferred choice but smooth snakes will also readily live in areas of dense undergrowth.
- Diet – surprisingly, smooth snakes prey primarily on other snakes and lizards. The rare sand lizard is a favourite, particularly because they share the same habitat. Small mammals, rodents and baby birds are also taken, as are larger insect and frogs. A smooth snake has no venom, but strikes its prey and then subdues it by wrapping its body tightly around the prey before consumption.
- Breeding – mating occurs in late spring, around May, and give birth to up to 15 young in late August/September.
- Other points – smooth snakes are extremely secretive and spend a large proportion of their lives in sandy burrows just beneath the surface. For this reason, it’s very rare to see one – even in habitats where they are known to exist.
The sandy heathlands of the New Forest are an ideal habitat for them, and one of only several places in the UK that they can be found.
Related Pages:
Rugged Looks Built for Park Terrain
Whether you’re driving winding forest roads or parked at a trailhead surrounded by mossy oaks and chirping robins, your truck says a lot about your adventure style. For many outdoor enthusiasts, function comes first—but that
Planning Safe Camps
Setting up camp in remote locations is the kind of adventure many dream about—off the grid, fresh air, starry skies. But anyone who’s tried it knows there’s a fine line between a fun escape and
How to Find the Most Beautiful Secret Hotels
If you’re craving a luxurious, quiet retreat away from the hustle and bustle, a secret hotel might be the getaway you need. You can check into a hidden spot in an atmospheric city, a gorgeous
The Most Thrilling Shore Excursions
Do you want to know about the most thrilling shore excursions? If you’re after an action-packed escape on the British coast, New Forest National Park really does deliver some of the wildest shore excursions for
Explore the Wildlife in the UK
Great Britain is renowned for its architectural, historical, and cultural attractions. However, when it comes to natural rarities, many of us do not consider this country first, but neighboring Scotland and Wales. This is, in
Most Visited Tourist Attractions in UK
The UK has a variety of world-renowned attractions. These range from museums to historic landmarks, and include natural wonders as well. This list includes some of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions, which attract millions of