Natrix maura

Head close-up of a Viperine-snake


Natrix maura at Monfurado, Alentejo, Portugal.

Native to western mediterranean countries (Portugal, Spain, France, Switzerland, Italy, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Libya) and introduced to England, the Viperine-snake is an inhabitant of temporary water bodies like streams and ponds with a good vegetation cover in thermophilous situations.


Typical habitat: mediterranean temporary stream with lush vegetation: Herdade do Esporão, Alentejo, Portugal.

This species is usually found during the day basking on the edge of their watery habitats or seen hunting in the water where they capture mostly fish, tadpoles and insects.


Viperine-snake hunting at Grândola, Alentejo, Portugal.