European Ratsnake or Leopard Snake
The Leopard Snake (Zamenis situla) is a non-venomous snake; however, it is currently under threat due to habitat degradation caused by extensive residential expansion, and many individuals are killed on the streets.
It preys primarily on rodents, while the young ones feed on insects and lizards.
It reaches a length of up to 1.20 metres and has smooth scales. Its base colour is beige, and it comes in two colour varieties: the ribbed, featuring two parallel orange-red streaks, and the punctate, adorned with a series of red spots framed by a black border. Black or black-red spots are present on the sides.
Information: HERE
Text editing: DiscoverCrete Editorial Team
Photos: Trichas,A. / Natural History Museum of Crete – University of Crete
The fauna of Crete
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus Barbatus)Griffon Vulture (Gyps Fulvus)Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) (Hieraaetus fasciatus)Eleonora's FalconGiorgalidiko: Domestic Horse, North-western European HorseThe Cretan BadgerGolden Eagle (Aquila Chrysaetos)Mute SwanCretan wildcatButterflies and Moths of the islandCretan Tracker: Europe's Oldest Hound, a Gift from ZeusCretan shrewKri-kri, the Cretan Wild Goat (Capra aegagrus cretica)Least WeaselBatsThe Balkan Terrapin or Western Caspian Terrapin (Mauremys Rivulata)Cat SnakeBalkan Whip SnakeMarginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata)Greek turtleWater SnakeThe BullfrogCommon KingfisherCaretta Caretta (Loggerhead Sea Turtle)Coleoptera