Montpellier Snake
Malpolon monspessulanus Geographic Locale
- Very common throughout the Mediterranean basin. There are three major subspecies. This snake is protected in Europe under the Bern-Convention.
Appearance
- It is up to 2.00 metres (7 ft) long and may weigh up to 1.5 kilograms (3 lb).
- Has a large head and eyebrows making it look angry.
- They are normally brown or green. Juveniles are light coloured with darker saddles or spots on the back.
Behaviour
- It prefers dry places with some vegetation and south turning slopes, ruins or rocky terrains are among their favourites
- It is active during the day and prey on reptiles, birds and mammals and even small turtles. Juveniles prey on smaller lizards. They place themselves at high places overlooking the surroundings. They have fantastic vision and are normally long gone before they are spotted. If they are taken by surprise they will start hissing loudly and spread out to look far bigger.
- They rarely attack and flee at the first opportunity.
Bite & Venom
- Although it is venomous, only a few cases of poisoning of humans are known. The poison is not very dangerous.
- This snake has 2 enlarged teeth in the back of its mouth, from where poison can be injected to the bite. A normal bite from this snake isn`t harmful because of the position of these teeth.