Smooth snake

The smooth snake, scientifically known as Coronella austriaca, is a non-venomous member of the Colubridae family. It is a fascinating species found throughout northern and central Europe, extending all the way to northern Iran.

On average, both male and female smooth snakes grow to about 60-75 cm in length, though some can reach up to 92 cm. They derive their name from their smooth texture, which is a result of their specific scale patterns. The snakes typically exhibit a color palette of brown, grey, or reddish tones, accented with dark spots and stripes along their bodies. A distinctive dark marking on their head resembles a crown, and their tongues are usually reddish-brown or dark red.

Smooth snakes primarily feed on smaller animals, especially other reptiles. They use constriction to overpower larger prey. Reproductively, they are ovoviviparous, meaning the young hatch from eggs inside the mother and are born live.

Geographically, smooth snakes are quite widespread. They can be found from southern England across various European countries such as France, Spain, Portugal, Germany, Norway, and Sweden, and into parts of Asia, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, and northern Iran. Notably, they are absent in Denmark and found in Finland only on the Åland Islands. In Britain, they are primarily found in heathland habitats.