Barred Grass Snake
Natrix helvetica
Adult barred grass snakes are semi-aquatic snakes of wetlands, pond margins, riversides, grassland, woodland edges, and wildlife-friendly gardens across western Europe. They mainly hunt amphibians but also take fish and small mammals, tracking prey by scent and swallowing it whole rather than using venom. When threatened, an adult usually flees into cover or water, but may hiss, inflate the body, release foul musk, or perform a convincing death-feigning display. This species is non-venomous and is now treated as distinct from the common grass snake, Natrix natrix.
- Type
- Water
- Conservation status
- LC
Growth chain
- Barred Grass Snake Hatchling
- ?
- Barred Grass Snake