Britain’s longest snake, the yard snake – Natrix helvetica – chooses wetlands where it hunts frogs, amphibians, fish and little mammals, often swimming undersea to capture its victim.
It is the UK’s most typical and versatile snake and is frequently discovered in gardens, especially compost loads.
If captured, a lawn snake will spray a liquid from the cloaca. This has an effective odor, a rather heady mix of rotten fish, garlic and ground coffee, which will hinder predators. The scent remains for lots of hours if it enters contact with clothes and some snakes will likewise feign death, with mouth agape and tongue hanging limp, to highlight the idea that they are unworthy consuming.
Intrigued in finding out more about British wildlife? Take a look at our guides to snakes, frogs and toads, and deer.
Reptiles of the British Isles
Discover the remarkable world of snakes, lizards and sluggish worms with BBC Countryfile Publication’s guide to Britain’s 6 native reptiles.
What does a lawn snake appear like?
They are green in colour, which varies from lime to deep olive, with an unique yellow collar (after which they are likewise called), faint black stripes and pale stomaches that are marked with dark scales special to the person.
How huge is a lawn snake?
Our biggest native reptile, the yard snake can grow to a length of 1.5 metres with bigger specimens reported.
Turf snake circulation
Turf snakes are seldom discovered north of the Scottish border, although environment modification might motivate a steady spread north. Milder winter seasons may affect their capability to hibernate, however. Stirring prematurely just to be stung by a late winter season blast. A danger dealing with all of our hibernating types.
In the meantime however, the yard snake stays the most likely snake to experience in England and Wales.
What do yard snakes consume?
Turf snakes are not poisonous however are ambush predators and their favoured diet plan is amphibians, although they will likewise consume little fish, rodents and birds.
Do you understand your snakes?
There are 3 native kinds of snake in the UK: adder, yard and smooth snakes. All 3 are most active in warm weather condition, and aim to hibernate in the cooler months. Discover more with our professional guide.
Turf snake environment
Turf snakes are understood for their love of water and are exceptional swimmers.
Far from water, yard snakes are familiarly discovered around compost pile. They are oviparous and the microbial fermentation that takes place within decomposing veggie matter is perfect for incubation of their eggs.
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The eggs themselves are around 25mm long and are laid in clusters of 10 to possibly 40, and typically hatch in late August and early September. The resulting hatchlings are around 15cm in length and are instantly independent.