Adder and Smooth Snake
© H.P. Eckstein

 

(c) Hans Peter Eckstein
Smooth Sake (Coronella austriaca)

total length: up to 70 cm (Germany)
5 - 15 young, oviparous
groundcolour grey or brown, round pupil 
often an u-shaped marking opened to the body on back of the head and neck (see small picture) 
nonpoisonous, often confound with the common adder  
spreading: great areas of Middle and southern Europe, also occurs in western Asia

 

(c) Hans Peter Eckstein
Adder (Vipera berus)
Large photo: pregnant female
Small photo: male

total length: up to 75 cm 
5 - 15 young, oviparous 
variable colouration, brown, black, reddish 
vertical pupil (if you are able to recognize this, you are much to close to the snake) 
only bites if it is feels attacked or it is surprised 
poisonous, when bitten visit a doctor 

spreading: in huge areas of Europe, also in Great Britain, does not occur in Rhineland-Palatinate and the Saarland, single areas in Northrhine-Westphalia 

 
 


     
Last Update 19.03.2001