Reddish snake
| Reddish snake | ||||||||||||
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Reddish snake ( Platyceps collaris ) |
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| Systematics | ||||||||||||
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| Scientific name | ||||||||||||
| Platyceps collaris | ||||||||||||
| ( Müller , 1878) |
The reddish slender snake ( Platyceps collaris ), also known as reddish angry snake , is an average about 70 cm long, relatively slender snake belonging to the genus Platyceps within the family of the adder (Colubridae). The main distribution area is on the Mediterranean coast of Asia , in Europe it is only found in small parts of Turkey and Bulgaria .
features
The snake is usually about 70 cm long, but individual individuals occasionally reach a length of up to one meter. The appearance is largely similar to that of the slender snake ( Platyceps najadum ).
distribution and habitat
The reddish slender snake can be found in Bulgaria , Turkey , Syria , Lebanon , Israel and Jordan . In the small European part of the range, the species can only be found in the lowlands, exclusively below 200 m. In the Asian part, however, it can be found at an altitude of up to 2200 m. The species inhabits stony habitats such as ledges, rock formations, and eroded slopes. Often these habitats are surrounded by forests or other relatively densely vegetated habitats. Outside of Europe, the habitats of this species are often drier.
Way of life
The reddish slender snake is a diurnal snake, which can become crepuscular in the summer months. The hibernation lasts about five to six months. The activity phase starts in March and ends in October. The species is relatively shy, but not as defensive as the common snake ( Platyces najadum ), which is more widespread in Europe .
Nutrition and reproduction
The species actively hunts for lizards , but occasionally eats insects as well . The mating season takes place in April and May. In June and July 2–6 eggs are laid, from which the young hatch in August or September.
Hazard and protection
The Red List of the IUCN leads Platyceps collaris as uncritical ( "Least Concern", LC).
literature
- Jeroen Speybroeck, Wouter Beukema, Bobby Bok, Jan Van Der Voort: Field Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of Britain and Europe. (= British Wildlife Field Guides ). Bloomsbury, 2016, ISBN 978-1-4081-5459-5 .
Individual evidence
- ↑ The Reptile Database : Entry on Platyceps collaris ( Link , accessed August 14, 2019)
- ↑ Jeroen Speybroeck, Wouter Beukema, Bobby Bok, Jan Van Der Voort: Field Guide to the Amphibians & Reptiles of Britain and Europe (= British Wildlife Field Guides ). Bloomsbury, 2016, ISBN 978-1-4081-5459-5 .
