There are 13 types of snake indigenous to the Iberian peninsula,
however if you avoid their natural habitats when you are
in Portugal you are unlikely to encounter them. Snakes
tend to like damp, cool places during the summer months
where they can keep out of the heat of the sun. However
first thing on a morning you can glimpse some warming
their bodies on the warmth of the roads. |
Montpellier Snake
(Malpolon monspessulanus)
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Venomous, but not usually enough to kill a human but bad enough to inflict a good deal of pain. It usually inhabits dry, stony areas heavily populated by lizards such as piles of stones on the edges of fields or near ruined buildings. when hunting it will occasionally rear up and look around, making it resemble the cobra. If it feels threatened it hisses loudly and attacks with the mouth closed. One
of its distinguishing features is in fact the prominent ridge above its eyes. It can grow quite large (up to two metres) and is blue with a white underbelly. |
Ladder Snake
(Elaphe scalaris)
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Derives its scientific and common name from the markings of its young, which in addition to the pair of dorsal stripes running down the back have dark bars running across their backs. It inhabits coastal regions and can usually be found in sunny areas, stony slopes, open deciduous woods, vineyards. Grows to 1.60m. Juveniles have distinctive ladder pattern, of which the "rungs" fade to
become lateral lines when adult. A constrictor. No fangs. |
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Viperine Snake
(Natrix maura) |
The Viperine snake is aquatic and is found near ponds, rivers and mountain streams. it is not found above 1,400m. It is an extremely good swimmer and can hold its breathe for up to 15 minutes. |
Lataste's Viper
(Vipera latastei)
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Under 60 cm. Has distinct nose horn. Relatively stout with triangular head. Wavy or zig-zag dorsal stripe with darker edge. Quite irascible, but bite not considered serious. (The adder, or common viper found in the UK and northern Iberia is more dangerous than this one of the South). |
False Smooth
(Coronella girondica)
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Up to 65cm, but usually around 45cm. Pallid grey or brown with small dark markings forming bars or streaks. Active at dusk and night. In ruins and old walls during the day - under stones etc. Slow, except when handled. Bites, but fangs at back of mouth and small size prevents effective use on humans. |
Southern Smooth
(Coronella girondica)
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50cm to 80cm. Grayish/ brownish/ pinkish with dark bars. Not active by day. Rarely bites. No fangs. |
Grass Snake
(Natrix natrix)
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Grows to usually 1.2m, but can reach 2m. A snake of damp places. Hisses and strikes with mouth closed. No fangs. |
Horseshoe Whip (Coluber hippocrepis)
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Known as the Cobra-do-Ferradura
in Portugal. A shy snake though it is not unknown for them to be found
in the open, close to human habitats on warm evenings.
The Horseshoe Whip
snake can grown up to 1.5 metres in length, however does not possess
fangs and is considered non-dangerous.
The colours of a
Horseshoe Whip snake are brighter in |
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young snakes varying
between yellow, off white, olive, grey and in some cases marked with
large black or brown spots uniformly placed along the dorsal line with
smaller alternating spots along it's flanks. In adults the paler areas
within the pattern are much finer giving an overall darker appearance.
The belly is pale in shades of peach, yellow, orange or red with dark
marks openly dispersed near the head and more dense near the tail. The
name stems from a shape on the head which looks like a horse shoe with
the points facing back.
Grows normally to 1.5m. Fairly slender. Bold pattern of dark edged blotches. Can be found near human habitat and buildings. No fangs. |
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Western Whip (Coluber viridiflavus) |
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Iberian Viper (Vipera seoanei)
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