Aesculapian Snake
Zamenis longissimus
Silhouette: Beth Reinke · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyColubridae (Colubrid Snakes)
- GenusZamenis
- SpeciesZamenis longissimus (Aesculapian Snake)
About the Aesculapian Snake
The Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus, previously Elaphe longissima) is a species of non-venomous constrictor snake native to Europe, a member of the subfamily Colubrinae of the family Colubridae. Growing up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) in length, it is among the largest European snakes, similar in size to the four-lined snake (Elaphe quatuorlineata) and the Montpellier snake (Malpolon monspessulanus). The Aesculapian snake has been of cultural and historical significance for its role in ancient Greek, Roman, and Illyrian mythology and derived symbolism.
Zamenis longissimus hatches at around 30 cm (11.8 in). Adults are usually from 110 cm (43.3 in) to 160 cm (63 in) in total length (tail included), but can grow to 200 cm (79 in), with the record size being 225 cm (7.38 ft). Expected body mass in adult Aesculapian snakes is from 350 to 890 g (0.77 to 1.96 lb). It is dark, long, slender, and typically bronzy in colour, with smooth scales that give it a metallic sheen.
Juveniles can easily be confused with juvenile grass snakes (Natrix natrix) and barred grass snakes (Natrix helvetica), because juvenile Aesculapians also have a yellow collar on the neck that may persist... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Aesculapian Snake in Cévennes National Park
LIVEiNaturalist
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Triglav National Park | 🇸🇮 Slovenia | |
| 2 | Cévennes National Park | 🇫🇷 France | |
| 3 | Fertő-Hanság National Park | 🇭🇺 Hungary | |
| 4 | Mercantour National Park | 🇫🇷 France | |
| 5 | Bavarian Forest National Park | 🇩🇪 Germany | |
| 6 | Pyrénées National Park | 🇫🇷 France | |
| 7 | Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park | 🇪🇸 Spain | |
| 8 | Vanoise National Park | 🇫🇷 France | |
| 9 | Plitvice Lakes National Park | 🇭🇷 Croatia | |
| 10 | Snowdonia National Park | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Aesculapian Snake in Cévennes National Park?
About 30% of wildlife watchers report a Aesculapian Snake sighting in Cévennes National Park, based on 81 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Aesculapian Snake in Cévennes National Park?
May has the highest sighting rate for Aesculapian Snake in Cévennes National Park in our monthly data.