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Mating Grass-snakes?
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Grass-snakes in the pine forest preparing for hibernation.
The Grass Snake, sometimes called the Ringed Snake or Water Snake (Natrix natrix) is a European non-venomous snake.
The Grass Snake is typically dark green or brown in colour with a characteristic yellow collar behind the head, which explains the alternative name ringed snake. The colour may also range from grey to black. The underside is lighter in colour. In Britain the Grass Snake is the largest reptile reaching up to 120cm total length.
They prey almost entirely on amphibians, especially the common frog, although they also occasionally eat mammals and fish. Grass Snakes are strong swimmers and are usually found close to fresh water.
Grass Snakes hibernate over the winter and mate soon after they emerge in the spring during April or May. The leathery skinned eggs are laid in batches of 8-40 in June to July and hatch after about 10 weeks. As eggs require a temperature of at least 21° C to hatch, rotting vegetation, including compost heaps are preferred locations. The young are around 18cm long when they hatch and are immediately independent. |
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- horia
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2135 W: 224 N: 3948]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(13111) - [2006-08-20 9:14]
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Great shot, Siarhei!
Excellent timing on this one. Mating snakes is indeed a rare sight on TN :)
Lovely colors, nice POV and very good details.
Well done!
Bravo, thanks for sharing and welcome to TN :)
Horia
As Horia says welcome to TN an intresting 1st image, it is unusual to see more than one except at mating time in the spring, the only thing I can think is that they are heading for hibernation. its the right time for that.
definatly intresting as it shows us a colour variation that is regional the orange colour in the smaller one is a variation to eastern europe.
TFS yours Robert
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- jmp
(8406)
- [2006-08-21 3:06]
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Hi Siarhei,
Very good 1er. post! Rara moment captured with perfect sharpness and very natural colors.
Welcome to TN!
TFS, José M.
I almost didn't click the thumbnail open. Your pic would get more attention if you would include "mating" in the title, as though are much less common pics.
A longer note is always welcome.
Nice pic. TFS.
![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 47 W: 6 N: 58]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-g.gif){kind=small}