Written by Andrew Smart, Head of Science and Research
The Aesculapian snake (Zemensis longissimus) is an introduced species in the UK, with two populations established in Wales and one along the Regents Canal in central London. The snake is non-venomous and can grow up to 2m in length but is rarely seen and reputedly lives on rats and mice in their urban environment.
The snake’s common name ‘Aesculapian’ relates to the god of Healing “Asclepius’ (Greek) or ‘Aesculapius’ (Roman).
Two legends exist relating to the snake; in one Asclepius showed kindness to a snake which licked him and taught him secret knowledge. In another, Asclepius was commanded to restore Glaucus (the son of Minos) to life after he had died and while considering his action, he killed a snake that crept near to his staff.
Another snake came with a herb in his mouth and restored the first snake to life and Asclepius was able to use that same herb to restore Glaucus.
Asclepius became famous as a healer and carried a staff which had a snake entwined upon it; his temples and places of healing often had snakes crawling around them amongst the sick.
The rod of Aesculapius (with the Aesculapian snake) is used by the World Health Organisation as a logo and it appears on the ‘Star of Life’ symbol adopted by many emergency rescue services worldwide.