| Italian Aesculapian snake | |
|---|---|
 | |
| An adult Zamenis lineatus from Sicily. | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Zamenis |
| Species: | Z. lineatus |
| Binomial name | |
| Zamenis lineatus (Camerano, 1891) | |
| Synonyms [2] | |
The Italian Aesculapian snake (Zamenis lineatus) is a species of snake in the Colubridae family.
Z. lineatus is endemic to southern Italy and Sicily. The northern limit of its geographical range is the Province of Caserta in the west and the Province of Foggia in the east. It is absent from the Salentine Peninsula (Salento), which is the "heel" of the "boot" of Italy.
The type locality is Naples. [2]
The Italian Aesculapian snake is a medium to large snake that reaches a maximum total length (including tail) of 2 m (6+1⁄2 ft). Dorsally, it is yellowish brown and may have four dark brown stripes. If present, the stripes are of equal width and equidistant. The dorsal scales are smooth. The iris of the eye is red, giving it the common name in Italian of saettone occhirossi (red-eyed racer).
The natural habitats of Z. lineatus are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, and urban areas, at altitudes from sea level to 1,600 m (5,200 ft). [1]
The Italian Aesculapian snake feeds on lizards, small mammals, and eggs.
Rat snakes are members – along with kingsnakes, milk snakes, vine snakes and indigo snakes – of the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. They are medium to large constrictors and are found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. They feed primarily on rodents. Many species make attractive and docile pets and one, the corn snake, is one of the most popular reptile pets in the world. Like all snakes, they can be defensive when approached too closely, handled, or restrained. However, rat snake bites are not dangerous to humans. Like nearly all colubrids, rat snakes pose no threat to humans. Rat snakes were long believed to be completely nonvenomous, but recent studies have shown that some Old World species do possess small amounts of venom, though the amount is negligible relative to humans.
The Persian ratsnake is a species of medium-sized nonvenomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Western Asia.
The Aesculapian snake, is a species of nonvenomous snake native to Europe, a member of the Colubrinae subfamily of the family Colubridae. Growing up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length, it is among the largest European snakes, similar in size to the four-lined snake and the Montpellier snake. The Aesculapian snake has been of cultural and historical significance for its role in ancient Greek, Roman and Illyrian mythology and derived symbolism.
Hardwicke's rat snake, also known commonly as the glossy-bellied racer, Gray's rat snake, and the spotted bellied snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to Asia. There are three recognized subspecies.
Oreocryptophis porphyraceus is a rat snake species, commonly called the black-banded trinket snake, red bamboo snake, found in mid to upper-level elevations of forested hills in southeastern Asia, ranging from evergreen tropical to dry seasonal forests depending on the subspecies and locality. It is the only member of the genus Oreocryptophis, but it was formerly placed in Elaphe.
Hemorrhois ravergieri, commonly called the spotted whip snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Western Asia, Central Asia, and South-Central Asia.
Pantherophis bairdi is a species of harmless snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to the southwestern United States and adjacent northeastern Mexico. No subspecies are recognized as being valid.
The horseshoe whip snake is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is native to southwestern Europe and northern Africa.
The ladder snake is a species of non-venomous snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to southwestern Europe.
Zamenis is a genus of Old World non-venomous snakes in the family Colubridae.
The European ratsnake or leopard snake, is a species of nonvenomous colubrid snake endemic to Europe, Asia Minor, and the Caucasus.
Elaphe quatuorlineata is a member of the family Colubridae. The four-lined snake is a non-venomous species and one of the largest of the European snakes.
Platyceps karelini, the spotted desert racer, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Asia.
The Transcaucasian ratsnake, also commonly known as the Gavand snake, is a species of nonvenomous ratsnake in the family Colubridae. The species is endemic to Western Asia and the Middle East.
Euprepiophis perlaceus, also known as Sichuan rat snake or pearl-banded rat snake, is a species of snake in the family Colubridae snake. It is endemic to western Sichuan Province in China. This snake is designated as Endangered by the IUCN Red List. It is found in the Palearctic.
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