Smooth Snake
Coronella austriaca

The Smooth Snake is the UK's rarest reptile.  It is confined to heathlands in Southern England.

DESCRIPTION

Size: Adults can grow to 70cm/28"

Colour: Usually grey or grey-brown with darker markings.  The belly is a similar colour to the back.  Head is a darker colour than body, with a dark patch on the neck.

Markings: Butterfly shape on the head, double row of spots along the back.

Identifying features:

• Butterfly shape on the top of the head

• Circular pupil and golden iris

• Confined to Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey

Diet: Mostly small mammals - constricts prey and swallows it whole.

Breeding: Mating takes place in April-May and the females incubate the membrane-covered eggs inside them, giving birth to live young later in the year.

Habitat: Mostly found on or near heathland.  Shelters in burrows created by other animals.

Dislikes: Disturbance, high temperatures, water.

CURRENT STATUS: This is a highly endangered species, therefore has full protection from the law against all disturbance and interference.

DISTRIBUTION: 
In your garden... Unlikely to be found in gardens.
UK: Very rare, only found in Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey.

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