Grass snake
The grass snake (Natrix) is a non-venomous snake. It is often found near water and feeds almost exclusively on amphibia and lizards.
| Grass snake | |
|---|---|
--Ringelnatter.jpg)
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| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification 
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| Unrecognized taxon (fix): | Natricinae |
| Genus: | Natrix |
| Species: | N. natrix
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| Binomial name | |
| Natrix natrix | |
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| Natrix natrix range map | |
| Synonyms | |
The grass snake is widely distributed in mainland Europe, from mid Scandinavia to southern Italy. It is also found in Middle East and northwestern Africa.
There is a native species in Great Britain but it is not Natrix natrix. It is Natrix helvetica the barred grass snake. The two subspecies were both called Natrix natrix until recently (2017).
Work by the Senckenberg Research Institute in Germany lead a study into the genetics of over 1,600 grass snakes.
Grass Snake Media
A specimen showing the distinctive yellow collar
Juveniele Ringelnatter (Natrix natrix) auf den Langenwiesen in NGS Duvenwischen
Lithuanians worshipping a grass snake (žaltys) and holy fire. From Olaus Magnus' Historia de Gentibus Septentrionalibus (History of the Northern People), book 3, 1555
Hunting in early autumn, Sweden
Grass snake looking out its hideout of water violet in Kirchwerder, Hamburg
Grass snake in a pond in the nature resort in Zell am See, Salzburg (state), Austria.
Grass snake eating a frog in the forest in Poland
References
- ↑ European Reptile & Amphibian Specialist Group (1996). "Natrix natrix". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 1996. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
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