Viperine Snake

Natrix maura

Least Concern

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

Despite its name and its superficial resemblance to the European vipers, it is entirely harmless and non-venomous; the likeness is a striking case of defensive (Batesian) mimicry.

Size

65 cm – 90 cm

Lifespan

8 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

FreshwaterCarnivore Diurnal Solitary Reptile Freshwater

46countries 59parks17same family

Fun facts

It has a zigzag pattern down its back much like a true viper's.
It catches fish and amphibians — frogs, toads and tadpoles — in the water.
It lives in rivers, ponds and brackish water of south-western Europe and north-western Africa.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (reptile)
Habitat & environment: Rivers, ponds and brackish water of south-western Europe and north-western Africa
Birth weight: Tiny at hatching
Size at birth: Tiny at hatching
Sexual maturity: Male: ~3 years | Female: ~5 years
Gestation / incubation: 6 weeks a 3 months
Litter / clutch size: 2 to 27 eggs per clutch (6-7 on average, rising with the female's size)