Where do grass snakes come from?
Grass snakes are found across most of England and Wales, but are absent from Scotland and Ireland. The species can occur in a variety of habitats, including woodland, but is normally found close to water. It may even occur in gardens with ponds and plenty of vegetation.
Where does the saying a snake in the grass come from?
meaning, origin and synonyms of ‘a snake in the grass’. The phrase a snake in the grass denotes a treacherous person or harmful thing that is hidden or seemingly harmless. It may ultimately be after the following from Eclogues, by the Roman poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro – 70-19 BC): frigidus, O pueri, fugite hinc, latet anguis in herba.
Are there any subspecies of the grass snake?
Many subspecies are recognized, including: Natrix natrix helvetica (Lacépède, 1789) was formerly treated as a subspecies, but following genetic analysis it was recognised in August 2017 as a separate species, Natrix helvetica, the barred grass snake.
Where can I find a grass snake in the UK?
Grass snakes are often found in areas where there are ponds, lakes or slow running rivers where frogs and toads live. Grass snakes are strong swimmers so can easily move through the water looking for prey, sometimes taking small fish or even the odd small mammal.
What kind of habitat does a grass snake live in?
The preferred habitat appears to be open woodland and “edge” habitat, such as field margins and woodland borders, as these may offer adequate refuge while still affording ample opportunity for thermoregulation through basking.
meaning, origin and synonyms of ‘a snake in the grass’. The phrase a snake in the grass denotes a treacherous person or harmful thing that is hidden or seemingly harmless. It may ultimately be after the following from Eclogues, by the Roman poet Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro – 70-19 BC): frigidus, O pueri, fugite hinc, latet anguis in herba.
Where can grass snakes be found in the UK?
Grass snakes are found across most of England and Wales, but are absent from Scotland and Ireland. The species can occur in a variety of habitats, including woodland, but is normally found close to water. It may even occur in gardens with ponds and plenty of vegetation. Did you know?
Our largest snake, the grass snake, is particularly fond of wetland habitats, but can also be found in dry grasslands and in gardens, especially those with a pond nearby. During the summer, grass snake can be spotted basking in the sun near their favourite ponds or swimming in the water.
What kind of animal eats a grass snake?
Did you know? When threatened by one of its many predators, the grass snake often ‘plays dead’, perhaps making itself less appealing to eat. Predators include badgers, red foxes, domestic cats, hedgehogs and a number of birds; when caught, grass snakes hiss and release a foul-smelling substance from their anal gland.
