We face a difficult reptile Espuña see for two reasons: first because of their shy and elusive character, and secondly by the increasing scarcity of wetlands in which to establish their habitat.
The water snake also known as viper snake is a snake of medium size, adults reaching about 70-80 inches long. Its scientific name is Natrix maura. In the pictures we see a young specimen, about 30-40 centimeters.
The color can vary from a few copies to others, but predominantly browns, green and olive. The design of the patches is striking because it is formed by a dark band in zig-zag on the back area. Some specimens show two parallel dark stripes that makes any confusion with the ladder snake. In the ventral side, the water snake has a characteristic arrangement checkered black and yellow spots.
As we mentioned, the habitat of these snakes is linked to the presence of water and wetlands, both natural (ponds, rivers, lakes ...) and artificial (irrigation ponds, reservoirs, canals ...).
Their presence or absence in a wet area will be given obviously by the existence of potential prey, mainly frogs. The younger specimens tend to feed on insects, small frogs, spiders ... hunting techniques of azecho or search. Larger specimens are more selective in their catch, increasing the size of prey with increasing size of the snake.
The period of activity of these snakes ranges from March to October. In spring and autumn are more active during the middle day, while in summer they do in the early morning and evening, even at night.
The water snake mimicry develops viper snakes (hence the epithet of forked). In addition to staining pattern that resembles snakes, when the water snake is disturbed, emits a grunt or hiss like a cat though weaker, while the body swell and deflate very showy. On the other hand curled his body and head clearly adopts a triangular shape, both of themselves and vipers. They can also secrete a foul liquid down the drain.
not attack people, but in the sporadic encounters with human beings tend to flee quickly to a hole or area of \u200b\u200bdense vegetation. Sometimes it can throw the head forward in a gesture of attack but still never bites, but merely to touch his head, without ever opening his mouth. It is not poisonous.
One of the easiest ways to differentiate them from snakes is by their pupils, while in the water snake pupils are round, in snakes the pupils are elliptical and vertical, as in cats. In any case, if in doubt, better not get too close to see the shape of the pupil.
Although not an endangered species, their distribution is shown impaired to be linked to the presence of water and wetlands.
to observe, the frogs tend to be our allies. If we hear frogs croaking in a pond or wetland area means that there are no predators, but if the frogs detect the presence of a water snake or other predator (including us) suddenly stop croaking and there is silence. So be patient and wait at a safe distance, adding to the ear until there is silence. Then we can get closer to the pond and with a little luck, a water snake.
Edit this entry to include new photographs of a specimen of Natrix maura at the time of the capture of a frog.
Edit this entry to include new photographs of a specimen of Natrix maura at the time of the capture of a frog.
More information on these links:
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http://www.vertebradosibericos.org/reptiles/natmau.html (Article very good and complete. Downloadable. pdf) -
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