Snakes World

the description is it has a yellow band around the neck.

The question was answered by :
Shirley Pearls :
Colubrid Snakes of Europe

The snakes of Europe belong overwhelmingly to the Family Colubridae, a situation actually found elsewhere as this is by far the largest snake family, easily outnumbering all other snakes put together. Colubrid snakes are really what the man in the street would probably think of if he had a picture in his mind of an ordinary snake (apart from the venomous ones so often shown on television).

Colubrid snakes are found the length and breadth of Europe, being absent only from Ireland. However, it is true that their diversity (as with all reptiles) increases the further south one goes. Not all favour hot and dry conditions, although most do.

The Natrix species are worthy of mention, since they cover nearly every country in Europe. At the same time many populations are under threat due to habitat degradation and just as importantly water pollution, which threatens them both directly and, through loss of the frogs that they prey on, indirectly. Among reptile keepers, Elaphe or ratsnakes are quite well known and some are kept as pets, as are their North American relatives. Generally speaking Elaphe are somewhat easier than some other European snakes as they can be fed for the most part with dead rodents as opposed to frogs or lizards. The genus Coluber, known colloquially as Whipsnakes, has been broken up in recent years with some species being siphoned off into Hierophis and Hemorrhois. These are mostly long and slender snakes that are also very fast and with a reputation for something of an aggressive temperament.

The species Malpolon, Macroprotodon and Telescopus should also be mentioned. These are so-called rear-fanged snakes, meaning that they have fangs at the rear of the mouth which inject venom. In all three cases however the venom is not strong enough to hurt a grown human, and although a venom injection from Malpolon can be unpleasant for the sufferer for a couple of hours, these species cannot be considered dangerous. No animal bite is pleasant nevertheless, and in most cases snakes would just as soon be left in peace. Therefore care and respect are advised in dealing with any wild animal.

This is rather a lengthy page, but I have included as much information as possible to show just how many different species of snake there are in Europe. I hope that this page will raise the level of interest in our European serpents, and encourage conservation as well as the responsible captive keeping and breeding of at least some of the species.

For more info on snakes in Europe,check this site
http://www.cyberlizard.plus.com/euro_colubridae.html