Four-lined Snake

Elaphe quatuorlineata

Near Threatened

It could become endangered in the near future if current threats go unchecked. See full glossary

The four-lined snake is one of the largest snakes in Europe, with individuals exceeding two and a half metres. It is a harmless constrictor of the Balkans and Italy that hunts rodents, birds and their eggs, and climbs with ease. Its name refers to the four dark lengthwise lines that adults show in some populations.

Size

1.5 m – 2.6 m

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Carnivore

Feeds mainly on other animals.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

Solitary

Lives and hunts alone, joining others only to breed.

Sighting difficulty

Moderate

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Fun facts

It is one of the largest snakes in Europe: individuals from southern Italy and Greece can exceed two and a half metres, well beyond any Iberian colubrid.
Juveniles have a pattern of crossbars completely different from that of the adults, so much so that for a time they were described as different species.
It is an excellent climber and raids birds' nests in trees and on cliffs, which has made it a target of persecution in some rural areas.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (reptile)
Habitat & environment: Open woodland, scrub, riverside groves and rocky ground of the Balkans, Italy and the Black Sea
Sexual maturity: 4 years
Gestation / incubation: 55 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 12 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elaphe_quatuorlineata