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Dorsal pattern of smooth snake 

The dorsal pattern consists of two rows of dark dots running in parallel along the back. 

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

The SMOOTH SNAKE's total (body+tail) length is up to 80 cm. Sometimes bulky with relatively short tail. Head short, rectangular. Ground colour grey, greyish-brown or bronze-brown, sometimes almost orange or sandy yellow. A U-shaped mark on back of head may be reminiscent of open wings. Two rows of dark spots on the back and tail. Dark streak runs from the nostril, across eyes to beyond corners of mouth. Round pupils, with copper-coloured irises.  Belly bluish-grey or reddish-yellow. Young in their first year grey with black pattern and brick red belly. Scales not keeled.

Distibution map by our National Herpetological Mapping Program:

Smooth snake

Adults are rather slender.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Head of smooth snake

On the top of the head it wears a characteristic pattern resembling a small crown, hence the scientific name Coronella.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Belly of a young smooth snake

Young have reddish bely.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Smooth snake after feeding

The engorged prey is often well visible on the thickened mid-body.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Smotth snake with a coppery hue

In suitable light conditions smooth snakes shine like copper, hence the Hungarian name: copper snake.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Portrait of a smooth snake

Nose is blunt, the mouth is rather small.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Portrait of a smooth snake

A dark streak runs across the eye from the nose to the neck.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Portrait of a smooth snake

Two branches of the small crown reaches far to the neck.

(Photo: Bálint Halpern)

Smooth snake

The edge of the belly in some adults is yellowish.

(Photo: Gábor Szelényi)