Ladder Snake

[Colin Key]

This adult Ladder Snake (Elaphe scalaris) turned up at the barbecue tonight, much to the amusement of my six cats who did not know what to make of it. This is a full adult, just over a meter in length, and has lost the "cross rungs" of the ladder (present in the juveniles, which give it its name) to leave just two lateral stripes.

It is non-venomous and kills by constriction; an adult of this size can easily "strangle" a rat - which gives it my vote! :biggrin:

Colin

http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o100/Passarinhos/IMG_2978.jpg


http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o100/Passarinhos/IMG_2983.jpg

[PeterD]

Nice shots Colin. Shame these are not around some of the seabird breeding sites around here. Are they common?

PeterD

[Colin Key]

Thanks Peter. No, this species is not at all common and I always take great care to ensure that my cats (and dog) don't get anywhere near them.

Our commonest snake species, and a real pest, is the Montpellier Snake (Malpolon monspessulanus) which are very abundant and form the main diet of Short-toed Eagles. They grow to over two metres in length, are excellent swimmers and tree climbers, and feed predominently on birds eggs, chicks and frogs. I have seen them decimate nesting colonies of Kentish Plover and Little Tern. I have to admit that I despatch them humanely when I get the chance.

Colin