Smooth Snake Fact File
The
Smooth snake fact file
- 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:
All-Weather Exploration in New Forest
Adventure often means contending with unpredictable weather, from sudden rain showers to chilly, foggy mornings. The weather can change quickly, creating challenges for your outdoor plans and vehicle. Therefore, how should you prepare for an
Discover Hidden Trails for a Memorable Hiking Adventure
Want to discover hidden trails for a memorable hiking adventure? Explore the secluded paths of New Forest National Park for an unforgettable hiking experience. Navigate through ancient woodlands and open heathlands to uncover the park’s
A Guide to Camping, Fishing, and Embracing Nature
Venturing into untamed landscapes offers a rare sense of freedom, detaching you from daily routines. Imagine greeting the dawn surrounded by nature’s chorus, enveloped by foliage and open skies, with endless possibilities awaiting your discovery.
Cycling Through National Parks
Love cycling through national parks? Imagine the soft hum of bike tires on a winding path under blue skies, with the scent of pine needles in the air and a deer glimpsed in the distance!
Forest Camping Adventures with Your Dog
Picture taking a spontaneous walk through the wild New Forest with your pet, where every sniff and paw print tells a unique story in nature’s vast manuscript. The New Forest offers beautiful scenery and friendly
Charity Events to Take Part in
Charity Events to Take Part in Around the New Forest If you are ready to do something good and make a difference in the world, you will be pleased to hear that there are