Coin snake

Description:

Pale coloration with particular dark brown diamond formations throughout the length of its back. Strong snake whose length can reach 150cm. Harmless to humans but highly aggressive when disturbed.

Basic biology:

Usually encountered in rocky areas with limited water and sparse vegetation of trees and shrubs. Eats small mammals, birds, lizards and large insects. Reproduction starts during late spring. During June-July it lays 4-10 eggs under rocks.

Distribution at Cyprus:

Widespread from the coast to an altitude of 1700m.

Global distribution:

Greece, Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, coast of east Mediterranean until Iran.

Risk:

Aglyphous - Non venomous

Condition:

Not particularly common

Protection status:

• Strictly protected by European directive 92/43/EC

• Strictly protected by national law 153(I)2003

Map of confirmed presence: