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European ratsnake
Elaphe situla (Engelmann et al.)
44.2928, 15.4436
Field Notes
Description:
It is gray or tan with a dorsal series of reddish or brown transverse blotches, which have black borders. On each side is a series of smaller black spots, alternating with the dorsal blotches. There is a Y-shaped dark marking on the occiput and nape, a crescent-shaped black band from eye to eye across the prefrontals, and a black band from the postoculars diagonally to the corner of the mouth. The belly is white, checkered with black, or almost entirely back. The dorsal scales are in 25 or 27 rows, and are smooth. Adults may attain 90 cm in total length, with a tail of 16 cm.
Habitat:
Elaphe situla rarely moves in open, uncovered terrain being normally found in shrubs such as mastik (Pistaeea lentiseus) and sunrose (Cistus sp.). It is obtain in areas of long grass or in crevices of walls made from loose stones.
Notes:
The most beautiful European snake!
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