Western Whipsnake
Hierophis viridiflavus • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Hierophis, Species: H. viridiflavus
Found in southwestern Europe, including France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and various Mediterranean islands.
Look up Western Whipsnake in the Snake Encyclopedia →Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Colubrinae, Genus: Hierophis, Species: H. viridiflavus
Conservation
Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and adaptability to moderately altered habitats, though locally impacted by road mortality and habitat fragmentation.
Physical Description
Slender body with smooth scales, olive-green to brownish dorsal coloration often featuring fine yellow or black speckling or crossbars near the head, and a distinct narrow head with large eyes.
Size & Dimensions
Estimated specimen length is approximately 100-120 cm; typical adult total length ranges from 90 to 130 cm, with maximum records up to 160 cm.
Habitat
Inhabits dry, open areas, scrublands, bushy hillsides, rocky terrain, open woodlands, and agricultural borders from sea level up to around 2,000 meters elevation.
Diet & Feeding
Active forager feeding on lizards, small mammals, nestling birds, and occasionally other snakes or amphibians.
Reproduction
Oviparous species that lays clutches of 5 to 15 eggs during the summer, typically in hidden, damp substrates such as under rocks or leaf litter.
Conservation Status
Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its wide distribution and adaptability to moderately altered habitats, though locally impacted by road mortality and habitat fragmentation.
Cultural Significance
Acts as an effective natural controller of rodent and pest populations within its native agricultural and scrubland ecosystems.
Notable Features
Renowned for exceptional agility, speed during active diurnal foraging, and alertness when encountering potential threats.