Viperine Snake

The Viperine Snake is a small to medium-sized aquatic colubrid native to the Iberian Peninsula, southern France, and northwestern Africa. It is entirely harmless to humans, though its zigzag dorsal pattern closely resembles that of true vipers, a likely case of defensive mimicry.

It is strongly tied to freshwater habitats and behaves much like its close relatives in the genus Natrix, relying on water for both feeding and escape from predators.

• Grayish, olive, or brownish dorsal coloration with a bold zigzag or wavy dark stripe down the back
• Strongly keeled scales
• Round pupils, distinguishing it from true vipers despite the similar zigzag pattern
• Slender, streamlined body
• Typically smaller than the related Dice Snake and Grass Snake

The round pupils and smooth head shape reliably separate it from true vipers with similar zigzag patterning.

Found in and around rivers, streams, ponds, and marshes across Spain, Portugal, southern France, and northwestern Africa, including Morocco and Algeria. Prefers slow-moving or still freshwater with abundant vegetation.

Highly aquatic, spending much of its time swimming or foraging along shorelines. Feeds primarily on fish and amphibians, including tadpoles. When threatened, it often mimics viper behavior by flattening its head and striking, despite being harmless, and may also feign death. Reproduction is egg-laying (oviparous), with clutches typically of 4-20 eggs.