Green whip snake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Green whip snake |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Hierophis
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| Species: |
viridiflavus
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| Synonyms | |
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Coluber gyarosensis Mertens, 1968 |
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The green whip snake or western whip snake (Hierophis viridiflavus) is a type of snake that belongs to the Colubridae family. These snakes are known for being very active and quick. They are found in many parts of Europe.
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Where Green Whip Snakes Live
This snake species lives in several European countries. You can find them in Andorra, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and possibly Luxembourg.
Different Kinds of Green Whip Snakes
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the green whip snake.
- One type is very dark, almost black. It is called H. v. carbonarius.
- The other type has stripes and is called H. v. viridiflavus.
The dark type lives in the eastern parts of the snake's range. The striped type lives in the western parts. In northern Italy, you can find both types living together.
Where They Like to Live
Green whip snakes can live in many different places. Their favorite habitats include:
- Temperate forests
- Areas with lots of shrubland
- Mediterranean-style bushes
- Farm fields and arable land
- Pastures where animals graze
- Plantations
- Gardens in the countryside
- Even urban areas, like cities and towns
What Green Whip Snakes Look Like
The green whip snake is a slender snake. It has a small head that stands out from its body. Its eyes are noticeable and have round pupils. The scales on its body are smooth.
The main color of this snake is greenish-yellow. However, this color is often covered by strong, dark green or black bands. These bands are especially noticeable near the front of the snake's body. The underside of the snake is usually grey or yellowish. Its tail has thin stripes that run lengthwise.
Young green whip snakes start out grey. They get their full adult colors by the time they are about four years old. These snakes usually grow to be about 150 centimeters (about 5 feet) long.
The Black Variant
In some areas, like Sicily and southern Italy, most green whip snakes are blackish. There is also a larger type, called Coluber viridiflavus carbonarius, which can grow up to 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) long. This variant is often pure black and is sometimes called 'Il Biacco' in Italy and Malta.
Green Whip Snake's Diet
These snakes mostly eat other animals. Their diet includes:
Reproduction and Behavior
Green whip snakes lay eggs. A female snake can lay anywhere from four to 15 eggs at a time.
These snakes are very lively and quick. If they feel trapped or threatened, they might bite fiercely. They spend the winter months hibernating, which means they go into a deep sleep to save energy.
Are Green Whip Snakes Venomous?
Green whip snakes are generally considered non-venomous. This means they are not usually thought to be dangerous to humans. However, some studies have shown that if a person is bitten many times, they might show some unusual symptoms.
Scientists have recently found that these snakes have special fangs at the back of their mouths. They also have a gland, called Duvernoy's gland, which is similar to a venom gland. This gland can produce substances that are like toxins. So, while they are not considered highly venomous like some other snakes, it's always best to observe them from a distance.
Status of the Green Whip Snake
The green whip snake lives in a large area and is very common there. Its population is stable, meaning it's not decreasing. The snake does not face many big threats. Sometimes, they are hit by cars on roads or are harmed by people. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature has said that the green whip snake is of "least concern" for conservation. This means they are not currently at risk of disappearing.
