| Dice snake | |
|---|---|
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| Eating agoby | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Natrix |
| Species: | N. tessellata |
| Binomial name | |
| Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768) | |
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| Distribution ofNatrix tessellata | |
| Synonyms | |
Coronella tessellataLaurenti, 1768 | |
Thedice snake (Natrix tessellata) orwater snake[3] is a Eurasian nonvenomous snake in the familyColubridae, subfamilyNatricinae. Its average length is 1.0–1.3 m (39–51 in). Body color may vary from greyish green to brownish or almost black, with dark spots on the back. The belly is sometimes vividly coloured in yellow or orange, with black spots, very similar to dice, hence the name.
Living mainly near rivers, streams and lakes, it frequently feeds on fish. Sometimes, it feeds also onamphibians such asfrogs,toads, andtadpoles. In one instance, a dice snake was even observed trying to feed on anolm (Proteus anguinus) that had been flushed from a cave inBosnia and Herzegovina following heavy rains.[4] However, the snake was far too small to be able to consume the olm.
While considered nonvenomous,N. tessellata produces a potentantihemorrhagin in its serum.[5] As a defence, it spreads a very bad-smelling secretion from its cloaca. Another defence mechanism isthanatosis, playing dead.[citation needed]
During themating season (March–May), they congregate in large groups.Egg-laying is usually in July, and one clutch consists of 10–30 eggs. The young snakes hatch in early September. Dice snakes hibernate from October to April in dry holes near the water.[citation needed]
The dice snake is found throughout much of central and eastern Eurasia, from Italy and Czechia in the west to Kyrgyzstan in the east, and from Ukraine in the north to Iran in the south.[1]
The species is considered to be ofLeast Concern in its overall range, although local populations may be more sensitive.[1] For example, it is consideredCritically Endangered in the Czech Republic, mostly due to destruction of habitats and the introduction of invasiveAmerican mink.[6]
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