Got Eyes for the Dice Snake?
The dice snake, also known as the water snake (Natrix tessellata) is a widely distributed species of snake. They are found througout central Eurasia, from Italy to Tajikastan and northern Pakistan. The water snake most commonly resides near freshwater, particularly rivers and lakes.
As a resident of freshwater ecosystems, N. tessellata feeds primarily on fish and amphibians, and they are frequently seen swimming and diving to catch their prey. The main predator of dice snake are birds, as well as lizards and larger snakes. Water snakes are not venemous; to deter threats, individuals will release feces and a foul-smelling musk from their cloaca, flop on their backs, and begin secreting blood from their mouths in an attempt to play dead.
Dice snake mate from March to May. Throughout this season, males and females will congregate in large groups, and multiple males may pile around one female in an attempt to gain access. In July the mother lays a clutch of 10-30 eggs which emerge in September. Both adults and juveniles then hibernate from October to March.
Adult water snakes are long but rather thin; individuals range from 1.0–1.3 m (39–51 in), but average weigh only 0.3 kg (0.6 lbs). Coloration is drab, usually olive green, brown, or grey with dark brown or yellow dots running along the body. The underbelly is more brightly colored, either yellow or blue, to startle away potential predators.
Conservation status: The IUCN has ranked the dice snake as Least Concern. Their primary threats are habitat degradation and loss.
Photos
Holger Krisp
Manuel Raab
Nomen Novum
Mark Pestov
