Malpolon monspessulanus

The Montpellier Snake is extremely shy and very fast. On Golan Hights it is the most common snake in open terrain, whereas it is found much more rare in Cyprus. When hunting it usually raises it's head above grass and shrubs. Therefore it is almost impossible to approach this snake without it is fleeing from a far distance already.

Identification:
This matt grey-coloured snake can be quite voluminous and therefore oftenly confused with a viper. It's size reaches up to 200 cm but usually adults are in the size of 130 to 170 cm. The scales on the back are slightly grooved, on the head there are large scales, forming a ridge above the eyes.
The neck is extended reddish-brown coloured. The belly white to creme ore even bright pink with short black longitudinal stripes.
Juvenile specimens are light brownish with dark patterns, similar to young Whip Snakes, but without forming diagonal stripes.

Biology:
The Montpellier Snake prefers open and dry grass-terrain with stones and slopes or edges of forests exposed to sunlight, where it is active only on warm and sunny days.
It is mainly feeding on lizards, including Agama but also small rodents and chicks of e.g. partridges.
The female is laying 4-12 eggs.

Distribution:
Known from the whole Mediterranean and South Europe, Levante, Cyprus, Middle East to West Asia and North Africa in various subspecies.

Although the Monpellier Snake is venomous and its venom is quite strong (Wiedl) it only bites when badly handled. Since it is quite difficult to catch this snake, it can be considered as harmless. It's short venomous fangs are in the back of the upper jaw. Nevertheless, medical treatment is required in case of a bite.