Dice Snake
Natrix tessellata
A highly aquatic European colubrid named for its checkerboard-like dorsal pattern, closely tied to rivers, lakes, and coastal wetlands.
- Venomous?
- Non-venomous
- Adult length
- 0.7-1.3 m (2.3-4.3 ft)
- Range
- Europe and western/central Asia
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Overview
The Dice Snake is a strongly aquatic colubrid distributed across much of Europe and into western and central Asia. It is completely harmless to humans and is rarely found far from water, spending much of its time swimming or basking along riverbanks and lake shores.
Its common name refers to the checkered, dice-like pattern of dark spots arranged across its back.
How to identify it
- Grayish, olive, or brownish dorsal coloration with a checkerboard pattern of dark, squarish spots
- Strongly keeled scales
- No bright neck collar (distinguishing it from the similar Grass Snake)
- Round pupils
- Slender body well adapted for swimming
The checkered dorsal spotting combined with the absence of a bright neck collar helps separate it from the similar-looking Grass Snake.
Habitat & range
Strongly associated with rivers, lakes, canals, and coastal brackish waters across southern and central Europe, the Balkans, Turkey, and into Central Asia. Frequently found basking on rocks or vegetation along riverbanks.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Highly aquatic and an excellent swimmer, often diving to catch prey underwater. Feeds primarily on fish and occasionally amphibians. When threatened, it may feign death or release a foul-smelling musk, similar to related Natrix species. Reproduction is egg-laying (oviparous), with clutches typically of 5-25 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Dice Snake venomous?
No, the Dice Snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans.
Why is it called the Dice Snake?
Its name comes from the checkerboard-like pattern of dark, squarish spots along its back.
Where does the Dice Snake live?
It is found across southern and central Europe and into western and central Asia, almost always near water.
What does the Dice Snake eat?
It feeds mainly on fish, which it actively hunts underwater.
Dice Snake guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Dice Snake.
Dice Snake identified by the community
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