Natrix maura facts for kids
The viperine water snake (Natrix maura) is a cool snake that lives partly in water and eats fish. Even though its name sounds like "viper," it's not actually a viper! It got its name because its back pattern looks a bit like an adder's, especially if they live in the same area. Its head is also a bit wider than other snakes in its family.
Like many water snakes, it has a special gland in its upper jaw that makes a very mild venom. This venom helps it swallow or digest its food. But don't worry, this snake usually doesn't bite to defend itself, and if it did, the venom is harmless to humans.
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How it Behaves
The viperine snake sometimes acts like an adder, even striking like one. But it usually doesn't bite. It loves spending most of its time in the water, hunting for fish, frogs, and other water animals. This snake is active during the day.
Where it Lives
You can find the viperine snake in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. In Europe, it lives in countries like Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, northwestern Italy, and Switzerland. It has also spread to some areas of England. In Africa, it's found in Morocco, northern Algeria, northwestern Libya, and northern to central Tunisia. It was also brought to Mallorca (an island in Spain).
What it Looks Like
The viperine snake can be grey, brown, or reddish on its back. It often has a black zigzag stripe down its spine and black spots with yellow centers on its sides. Its lips are usually yellow with black lines. It also has a dark band on each side of its head, near its temples, and another one behind it on its neck. Its belly can be yellow or red with black squares, or sometimes all black.
The scales on its back have a ridge, like a boat's keel. Adult snakes can grow up to about 85 centimeters (33 inches) long, with a tail that's about 17 centimeters (7 inches) long.
Its Home Environment
The viperine snake mostly lives in rivers and lakes. Sometimes, it can even be found in areas where fresh water mixes with salty ocean water, called brackish water.
When it Becomes an Invader
On the island of Mallorca, the viperine snake has become an invasive species. This means it's not naturally from there and is causing problems for the local wildlife. For example, N. maura eats the local frogs, like the Pelophylax perezi.
Studies show that having so many frogs to eat means there's more food for the snakes, which helps their numbers grow even bigger. Because there are so many viperine snakes, they put a lot of pressure on other animals. For instance, the Majorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) has had to move to very steep places where the viperine snake can't easily reach them, just to stay safe.
Quick facts for kids Natrix maura |
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| A viperine water snake swimming in Spain | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Natrix
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| Species: |
maura
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| Where the viperine water snake lives | |
Learn More
- List of reptiles of Italy
