Four-lined snake

Common name: Four-lined snake

Scientific name: Elaphe quatuorlineata 

Class: Sauropsida

Order: Squamata

Family: Colubridae

Nutrition:  Small mammals, eggs, lizards.

Features: Adult length may vary from 110 cm to 180 cm. It is yellowish-brown in colour with four dark longitudinal bars (from which it derives its scientific name). It is diurnal, terrestrial, can sometimes be found on shrubs; is also a good swimmer. It prefers Mediterranean maquis, sparse and sunny woods. It is an oviparous species and lays eggs. It likes warm (24-34 °C) and humid environments.

Curiosity: It is the longest snake in Italy and one of the longest in Europe.