Grass snake - Natrix natrix - Grassnákur - Buorm - Ringed snake - Water snake - Ringslang - Užovka obojková - Ringelnatter - Biscia dal collare - Zaskroniec - Natrice dal collare - Уж - Couleuvre helvétique - Colubridae - Baby Grass Snake - A Natrix Natrix Baby - Non-Venomous Snake - Grass snakes are strong swimmers and may be found close to fresh water, although there is evidence individual snakes often do not need bodies of water throughout the entire season. The grass snake is the largest species of British snake, and is identified by its olive green body and darkish spots or streaks on the flanks. However, colouration can vary. Grass snakes have a distinctive yellow and black collar behind the head and have round pupils. Hægt er að sjá muninn á Stálormi og Grassnák á að Stálormur blikkar augunum sem snákar gera ekki.
The grass snake is typically dark green or brown in colour with a characteristic yellow collar behind the head, which explains the alternative name ringed snake. The colour may also range from grey to black, with darker colours being more prevalent in colder regions, presumably owing to the thermal benefits of being dark in colour. The underside is whitish with irregular blocks of black, which are useful in recognizing individuals. In Great Britain, the grass snake is the largest reptile, with females reaching up to 80 cm total length and males usually being somewhat smaller at around 60 cm and smaller in girth. Captive snakes have been observed taking earthworms offered by hand, but dead prey items are never taken - The snake will search actively for prey, often on the edges of water, using sight and sense of smell (using Jacobson's organ). As spring approaches, the males emerge first and spend much of the day basking in an effort to raise body temperature and thereby metabolism. This may be a tactic to maximise sperm production, as the males mate with the females as soon as they emerge up to two weeks later in April, or earlier if environmental temperatures are favourable. The leathery-skinned eggs are laid in batches of eight to 40 in June to July and hatch after about 10 weeks. To survive and hatch, the eggs require a temperature of at least 21 °C, but preferably 28 °C, with high humidity. Rotting vegetation, such as compost heaps, are preferred locations. The young are about 18 centimetres long when they hatch and are immediately independent. See more: [ Ссылка ]
They can often be confused with the adder which has a more thick-set body and a distinct zigzag down its back, and it also has a vertically slit pupil. The adder is venomous, whereas the grass snake is not. Adders are rarely found in gardens. Grass snakes can also be confused with slow worms, which are not snakes but legless lizards and are much smaller, with a glassy grey/brown appearance. Males can be told apart from females by a swelling at the base of the tail, and a longer tail in relation to the females tail. The grass snake's diet consists mainly of amphibians such as frogs, toads and newts, but they can be known to also eat small mammals, young birds and some fish. The snakes natural predators are badgers, foxes, cats, hedgehogs and a number of birds. The snake has two tactics to dissuade certain predators from killing them - 'playing dead' and releasing pungent and foul-smelling substances from the anal gland. See more: [ Ссылка ]
The females mate at most every other year, but can live to 25 years of age. Unlike the other native British snakes, they lay eggs and incubate them until they hatch in late summer. In warm weather they can be seen basking in the sun. Like all snakes, they are cold-blooded and can only be active and hunt when they raise their body temperature in this way. [ Ссылка ]
Grass snakes are also protected by law in Great Britain such that it is illegal to deliberately kill, injure or sell them. Despite its fearsome appearance this beautiful and non venomous snake, is extremely timid and will disappear rapildly if you disturb it. However, they like to come to garden ponds, particularly during the summer months, perhaps hunting for fish and amphibians which are a favourite food. See more: [ Ссылка ]
A snake will sometimes bite in self-defence if disturbed or provoked. See more: [ Ссылка ]
Grassnákur - Vísindavefurinn. Lesa meira: [ Ссылка ]
Slöngur, snákar eða ormar (fræðiheiti: Serpentes) eru fótalaus skriðdýr með misheitt blóð. Þær eru náskyldar eðlum og til eru nokkrar tegundir fótalausra eðla sem á yfirborðinu líkjast slöngum. Lesa meira: [ Ссылка ]...
The snake was unharmed in the making of this video.
