Aesculapian Snake

Zamenis longissimus

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The Aesculapian snake is a snake of the family Colubridae. Its range forms part of the Palaearctic of Europe and western Asia. At up to 2 metres in length it is among the largest European snakes, though it is not as heavily built as the four-lined snake or the Montpellier snake. The Aesculapian snake has had great cultural and historical importance through its role in ancient Greek and Roman mythology and the symbolism derived from it.

Size

1.1 m – 2 m

Lifespan

25 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

Easy

Temperate forestMountainCarnivore Diurnal Solitary Reptile Temperate forest Mountain

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Fun facts

It is the snake of the symbol of medicine: the Romans carried it to the temples of Aesculapius across Europe for its docility, and the staff with the coiled serpent remains the emblem of medicine worldwide today.
Some isolated populations in Germany and the Czech Republic, far north of its natural range, are probably descended from snakes the Romans released around their thermal baths two thousand years ago.
It is an exceptional climber: it goes up vertical trunks and stone walls by bracing its belly scales against the irregularities, and is frequently found in the lofts and roofs of country houses.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (reptile)
Habitat & environment: Deciduous woodland, riverside groves, dry stone walls and wooded farmland of temperate Europe
Size at birth: About 30 cm on hatching
Sexual maturity: 4 years
Gestation / incubation: 60 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 8 eggs

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