Grass Snake - Natrix helvetica

Description

The UK's most common and widespread of its three native snakes, though only the Grass Snake and Adder can be found in Leicestershire and Rutland. Colours vary from bright green to black, though most have yellow 'collar' markings behind the head. Average female length: 75 to 80 cm.  Average male length: 65 cm

Identification difficulty
Habitat

Tend to be most commonly found near water but also uses compost heaps in gardens when ready to lay eggs.

When to see it

April to October

Life History

They eat mainly frogs and fish. They often lay their eggs in compost heaps (for the warmth). During winter, temperatures are too low and Grass Snakes find frost-free places such as deep leaf litter or rock piles in which to hibernate (between October and March or April).

UK Status

This snake is mainly found in lowland areas of Britain, being particularly frequent in some areas of the south and south east of England.

VC55 Status

In Leicestershire and Rutland it is widespread; frequent in river valleys, canals and around Rutland Water.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2020+ | 2015-2019 | pre-2015

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Grass-snake, Grass Snake
Species group:
Reptiles
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Squamata
Family:
Colubridae
Records on NatureSpot:
203
First record:
01/06/1959 (T.A.W. Kirk)
Last record:
09/08/2023 (axon, kaye)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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