Dice Snake
Natrix tessellata • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Serpentes, Family: Colubridae, Subfamily: Natricinae, Genus: Natrix, Species: Natrix tessellata
Venomous Status
Non-venomous (aglyphous)
Danger Level
Harmless. These snakes are physically incapable of causing significant harm to humans and rarely attempt to bite even when handled.
Geographic Range
Extensive range throughout Central and Southern Europe, Western and Central Asia, and Northern Africa (Egypt). Found from Germany in the west to Western China in the east.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). However, local populations are threatened by water pollution, habitat destruction, and loss of prey species.
Physical Description
Slender body with strongly keeled scales. Coloration is typically olive-green, grayish, or brownish with a characteristic pattern of small dark square spots (tessellated pattern) on the back. Head is narrow and pointed; eyes are positioned slightly upward with round pupils. Ventral scales often yellowish or reddish with black square spots.
Size & Dimensions
Typical adult length ranges from 75 to 100 cm, though specimens can occasionally reach 130 cm. Males are smaller than females.
Habitat
Strictly associated with water; prefers fresh or brackish rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds. Occurs from sea level up to 2800 meters. Often found under stones or in dense vegetation near water edges.
Behavior & Temperament
Highly aquatic and diurnal. Generally very shy and docile. When threatened, they often dive underwater or exhibit thanatosis (playing dead) while secreting a foul-smelling musk from the cloaca. As ectotherms, they become sluggish in cold water temperatures.
Diet & Feeding
Specialized piscivore (fish-eater). Feeds primarily on small to medium-sized fish, and occasionally amphibians (frogs and tadpoles). They are active foragers that hunt underwater.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying). Females lay clutches of 5 to 25 eggs in moist locations near water (e.g., rotting vegetation or under stones) during mid-summer. Eggs hatch in late summer or early autumn.
Venom Profile
Venom Type
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
AI-generated — see a qualified source if acting on this. For any snakebite, call emergency services immediately.
Look-alikes
Often confused with the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix), which has a distinctive yellow collar, and occasionally the Viperine Snake (Natrix maura), which has a more zigzag-like dorsal pattern resembling a viper.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). However, local populations are threatened by water pollution, habitat destruction, and loss of prey species.
Cultural Significance
Valued ecologically as a bioindicator of water quality and as a natural controller of fish and amphibian populations. In some regions, it is misidentified as a 'water viper' leading to unnecessary persecution.
Notable Features
Features a highly adapted physiology for diving and can stay submerged for long periods. It is famous for its elaborate 'death-feigning' display, which includes going limp and hanging its tongue out to deter predators.
Notes
Slow in cold water