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Dice snake portrait

Its eyes are larger and head is high.

(photo: Bálint Halpern)

The DICE SNAKE's total (body+tail) length is up to 100 cm, but usually shorter. Females are longer and bulkier than males. Head elongate, and more flattened than grass snake, with large, protuberant eyes on top of head. Pupil round and black, with golden iris. Ground colour greenish-brown, greyish-green or ochre with dark spots or squares in alternate rows (tessellate). Ground colour lighter towards the belly. Some specimens may be plain (without spots) or jet black. Belly reddish, yellowish or off-white with dark brown or black squares forming checkerboard pattern. Dorsal scales strongly keeled. ly signifies males, which may also have ring markings (ocelli). Young are similar to adults, but sometimes darker.

Distibution map by our National Herpetological Mapping Program:

Dice snake

They have keeled scales, which refers to the stripe emerging in the middle as a line of each scale.

(photo: Gábor Szelényi)

Dice snake

It is relatively easy to identify based on its checkered dorsal pattern and elongated head.

(photo: Bálint Halpern)

Dice snake portrait

Unlike related grass snakes they lack yellow ear patches.

(photo: Bálint Halpern)

Head shape of dice snake

Its head is narrower than any other native snake species, giving a "dog-like" appaerence for some.

(photo: Bálint Halpern)

Head of dice snake

Its head is elongated and snout is rather pointed.

(photo: Gergely Szövényi)

Kockás sikló hasa

A vízisiklóhoz hasonlóan, hasmintázata zongorabillyentyűkre emlékeztet.

(fotó: Halpern Bálint)

Swimming dice snake

As they usually prey on fishes they are often observed while swimming, head raised out of the water.

(photo: Nikola Rahmé)

Dice snakes

Dice snakes can be easily observed while basking near water bodies, often in groups.

(photo: Ákos Baracsy)

Juvenile dice snake

Pattern of juvenile dice snakes are similar to adults but more contrasted.

(photo: Ákos Baracsy)