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{{Short description|Species of snake}}
{{Taxobox
{{Speciesbox
| image = Cobra-de-água-viperina.jpg
| image = Viperine water snake (Natrix maura).jpg
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| image_caption = Swimming, Spain
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| status = LC
| subphylum = [[Vertebrata]]
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| classis = [[Reptile|Reptilia]]
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 20 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Marc Cheylan, M. Saïd Nouira, Ulrich Joger, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Benedikt Schmidt, Andreas Meyer, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Iñigo Martínez-Solano |date=2009 |title=''Natrix maura'' |volume=2009 |page=e.T61538A12510365 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2009.RLTS.T61538A12510365.en |access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref>
| ordo = [[Squamata]]
⚫
| genus = Natrix
| subordo = [[Serpentes]]
⚫
| species = maura
| familia = [[Colubrid]]ae
⚫
| authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], [[10th edition of Systema Naturae|1758]])
| subfamilia = [[Natricinae]]
⚫
| genus = ''[[Natrix]]''
⚫
| species = '''''N. maura'''''
⚫
| binomial = ''Natrix maura''
⚫
| binomial_authority = ([[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], [[10th edition of Systema Naturae|1758]])
| synonyms = *''Coluber maurus'' <br>{{small|Linnaeus, 1758}}
| synonyms = *''Coluber maurus'' <br>{{small|Linnaeus, 1758}}
*''Coluber viperinus'' <br>{{small|[[Charles-Nicolas-Sigisbert Sonnini de Manoncourt|Sonnini]] & [[Pierre André Latreille|Latreille]], 1802}}
*''Coluber viperinus'' <br>{{small|[[Charles-Nicolas-Sigisbert Sonnini de Manoncourt|Sonnini]] & [[Pierre André Latreille|Latreille]], 1802}}
*''Tropidonotus viperinus'' <br>{{small|— [[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]], 1893}}
*''Tropidonotus viperinus'' <br>{{small|— [[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]], 1893}}
*''Natrix maura'' <br>{{small|— [[:fr:Edwin Nicholas Arnold|Arnold]] & Burton, 1978}}
*''Natrix maura'' <br>{{small|— [[Edwin Nicholas Arnold|Arnold]] & Burton, 1978}}
⚫
| range_map = Mapa Natrix maura.png
| range_map_caption = Range map of Natrix maura
}}
}}


The '''viperine water snake''' or '''viperine snake''' ('''''Natrix maura''''') is a semiaquatic, fish-eating [[Natricinae|natricine]] water snake. Despite its common names, it is not a member of the subfamily [[Viperinae]]. It was given its common names due to exhibiting a dorsal colour pattern that superficially resembles that of sympatric [[Viperinae|adder]] species. In comparison to other ''Natrix'' species its head is also somewhat wider and more distinct from the neck. Like most members of the Natricinae it possesses a venom gland on each side of the upper jaw ([[Duvernoy's gland]]) that produces a mild venom that may play a role in swallowing or digestion. The gland is not associated with an enlarged specialized tooth and the venom has to be applied by chewing. The species usually does not bite as a means of defense, and the effect of a bite would be harmless to humans.
'''''Natrix maura''''' is a [[Natricinae|natricine]] water snake of the genus ''[[Natrix]]''. Its common name is '''viperine water snake''' or '''viperine snake'''. Despite its common names, it is not a member of the subfamily [[Viperinae]]. This nonvenomous, semiaquatic, fish-eating snake was given its common names due to [[Batesian mimicry|behavioural and aesthetic similarities]] with sympatric [[Viperinae|adder]] species.


==Behaviour==
==Behaviour==
The viperine snake looks like an adder and behaves like one. It is known to strike like an adder, but not bite. However, when in water, the viperine snake then looks like a grass snake and hunts its [[prey]] in the same way. This snake is [[Diurnality|diurnal]].<ref name="uicnmed">[http://www.uicnmed.org/web2007/cd_rep_amp/materials/reptile_summery/natrix_maura.pdf UIcnmed.org]</ref>
The viperine snake looks like an adder and occasionally behaves like one. It is known to strike like an adder, but not to bite. It spends most of its time in water hunting fish, frogs and other aquatic animals. The species is [[Diurnality|diurnal]].<ref name="uicnmed">[http://www.uicnmed.org/web2007/cd_rep_amp/materials/reptile_summery/natrix_maura.pdf UIcnmed.org]</ref>


==Geographic range==
==Geographic range==
The viperine snake is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Specifically, ''N. maura'' is found in the European countries of: [[Portugal]], [[Spain]], [[France]], northernwest [[Italy]], and even into [[Switzerland]]. It has spread to areas of [[England]], as well. It is found in African countries of [[Morocco]], northern [[Algeria]], northwestern [[Libya]], and northern to central [[Tunisia]].<ref name="uicnmed"/>
The viperine snake is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Specifically, ''N. maura'' is found in the European countries of [[Portugal]], [[Spain]], [[Andorra]], [[France]], northwestern [[Italy]], and [[Switzerland]]. It has spread to areas of [[England]], as well{{Citation needed|date=September 2023}}. It is found in African countries of [[Morocco]], northern [[Algeria]], northwestern [[Libya]], and northern to central [[Tunisia]]. It was introduced to [[Mallorca]] in the Baleares (not indicated on the distribution map).<ref name="uicnmed"/>


==Description==
==Description==
[[File:Natrix maura, Olargues 01.jpg|thumb|left|Side view of a ''Natrix maura'']]
⚫
''N. maura'' is gray, brown, or reddish dorsally, with a black zigzag vertebral stripe, and lateral series of black ocelli with yellow centers. The labials are yellow with black sutures. It has a diagonal dark band on each temple, and another behind it on each side of the neck. Ventrally, it is yellow or red, checkered with black, or all black.


⚫
''N. maura'' is grey, brown, or reddish dorsally, with a black zigzag vertebral stripe, and lateral series of black ocelli with yellow centers. The labials are yellow with black sutures. It has a diagonal dark band on each temple, and another behind it on each side of the neck. Ventrally, it is yellow or red, checkered with black, or all black.
The strongly keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 21 rows. The ventrals are 147–160; the anal plate is divided; and the paired subcaudals number 47–72.
The strongly keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 21 rows. The ventrals are 147–160; the anal plate is divided; and the paired subcaudals number 47–72.
⚫
Adults may attain a total length of 85&nbsp;cm (33 inches), with a tail 17&nbsp;cm (7 inches) long.<ref>[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]]. 1893. ''Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Colubridæ Aglyphæ, part.'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I-XXVIII. (''Tropidonotus viperinus'', pp. 235–237).</ref>

⚫
Adults may attain a total length of 85 cm (33 inches), with a tail 17 cm (7 inches) long.<ref>[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger GA]]. 1893. ''Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Colubridæ Aglyphæ, part.'' London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I-XXVIII. (''Tropidonotus viperinus'', pp. 235–237).</ref>


==Habitat==
==Habitat==
The viperine snake is found in [[river]]s and [[lake]]s, and has also been recorded from areas of brackish water.
The viperine snake is found in [[river]]s and [[lake]]s, and has also been recorded from areas of brackish water.

==Invasion==
The species is invasive on Mallorca.<ref name="Kraus-2015">{{cite journal | last=Kraus | first=Fred | title=Impacts from Invasive Reptiles and Amphibians | journal=[[Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics]] | publisher=[[Annual Reviews (publisher)|Annual Reviews]] | volume=46 | issue=1 | date=2015-12-04 | issn=1543-592X | doi=10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-112414-054450 | pages=75–97}}</ref> ''N. maura'' predates on ''[[Pelophylax perezi]]'' among other prey on Mallorca. Research by Moore et al. 2004 suggests [[trophic subsidy]] provided by ''P. perezi'' is maintaining higher numbers of the invader than would otherwise occur.<ref name="Kraus-2015" /> ''N. maura'' has altered the behavior of Mallorcan prey. Moore et al. 2004 found that the higher numbers mentioned above are allowing the invader to exert such high pressure that prey species such as the [[Majorcan midwife toad]] (''Alytes muletensis'') have retreated entirely to habitats too steep for ''N. maura''.<ref name="Kraus-2015" />


==See also==
==See also==
Line 48: Line 47:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*[[:fr:Edwin Nicholas Arnold|Arnold EN]], Burton JA. 1978. ''A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe''. London: Collins. 272 pp. ISBN 0-00-219318-3. (''Natrix maura'', pp. 202-204 + Plate 37 + Map 115).
*[[Edwin Nicholas Arnold|Arnold EN]], Burton JA. 1978. ''A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe''. London: Collins. 272 pp. {{ISBN|0-00-219318-3}}. (''Natrix maura'', pp.&nbsp;202–204 + Plate 37 + Map 115).
*[[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus C]]. 1758. ''Systema naturæ per regna tria naturæ, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, locis. Tomus I. Editio Decima, Reformata.'' Stockholm: L. Salvius. 824 pp. (''Coluber maurus'', new species, p.&nbsp;219). (in Latin).

{{Taxonbar|from=Q1541871}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Natrix Maura}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Natrix Maura}}
[[Category:Colubrids]]
[[Category:Natrix]]
[[Category:Snakes of Africa]]
[[Category:Reptiles of North Africa]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Europe]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Europe]]
[[Category:Animals described in 1758]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1758]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]




{{Colubrids-stub}}
{{Natricinae-stub}}

Latest revision as of 19:31, 19 April 2024

Natrix maura
Swimming, Spain
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Colubridae
Genus: Natrix
Species:
N. maura
Binomial name
Natrix maura
Range map of Natrix maura
Synonyms
  • Coluber maurus
    Linnaeus, 1758
  • Coluber viperinus
    Sonnini & Latreille, 1802
  • Tropidonotus viperinus
    — Boulenger, 1893
  • Natrix maura
    — Arnold & Burton, 1978

The viperine water snake or viperine snake (Natrix maura) is a semiaquatic, fish-eating natricine water snake. Despite its common names, it is not a member of the subfamily Viperinae. It was given its common names due to exhibiting a dorsal colour pattern that superficially resembles that of sympatric adder species. In comparison to other Natrix species its head is also somewhat wider and more distinct from the neck. Like most members of the Natricinae it possesses a venom gland on each side of the upper jaw (Duvernoy's gland) that produces a mild venom that may play a role in swallowing or digestion. The gland is not associated with an enlarged specialized tooth and the venom has to be applied by chewing. The species usually does not bite as a means of defense, and the effect of a bite would be harmless to humans.

Behaviour

[edit]

The viperine snake looks like an adder and occasionally behaves like one. It is known to strike like an adder, but not to bite. It spends most of its time in water hunting fish, frogs and other aquatic animals. The species is diurnal.[2]

Geographic range

[edit]

The viperine snake is found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Specifically, N. maura is found in the European countries of Portugal, Spain, Andorra, France, northwestern Italy, and Switzerland. It has spread to areas of England, as well[citation needed]. It is found in African countries of Morocco, northern Algeria, northwestern Libya, and northern to central Tunisia. It was introduced to Mallorca in the Baleares (not indicated on the distribution map).[2]

Description

[edit]

N. maura is grey, brown, or reddish dorsally, with a black zigzag vertebral stripe, and lateral series of black ocelli with yellow centers. The labials are yellow with black sutures. It has a diagonal dark band on each temple, and another behind it on each side of the neck. Ventrally, it is yellow or red, checkered with black, or all black. The strongly keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 21 rows. The ventrals are 147–160; the anal plate is divided; and the paired subcaudals number 47–72. Adults may attain a total length of 85 cm (33 inches), with a tail 17 cm (7 inches) long.[3]

Habitat

[edit]

The viperine snake is found in rivers and lakes, and has also been recorded from areas of brackish water.

Invasion

[edit]

The species is invasive on Mallorca.[4] N. maura predates on Pelophylax perezi among other prey on Mallorca. Research by Moore et al. 2004 suggests trophic subsidy provided by P. perezi is maintaining higher numbers of the invader than would otherwise occur.[4] N. maura has altered the behavior of Mallorcan prey. Moore et al. 2004 found that the higher numbers mentioned above are allowing the invader to exert such high pressure that prey species such as the Majorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis) have retreated entirely to habitats too steep for N. maura.[4]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Jose Antonio Mateo Miras, Marc Cheylan, M. Saïd Nouira, Ulrich Joger, Paulo Sá-Sousa, Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Benedikt Schmidt, Andreas Meyer, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano, Iñigo Martínez-Solano (2009). "Natrix maura". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2009: e.T61538A12510365. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2009.RLTS.T61538A12510365.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ a b UIcnmed.org
  3. ^ Boulenger GA. 1893. Catalogue of the Snakes in the British Museum (Natural History). Volume I., Containing the Families ... Colubridæ Aglyphæ, part. London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xiii + 448 pp. + Plates I-XXVIII. (Tropidonotus viperinus, pp. 235–237).
  4. ^ a b c Kraus, Fred (2015-12-04). "Impacts from Invasive Reptiles and Amphibians". Annual Review of Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics. 46 (1). Annual Reviews: 75–97. doi:10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-112414-054450. ISSN 1543-592X.
[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
  • Arnold EN, Burton JA. 1978. A Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of Britain and Europe. London: Collins. 272 pp. ISBN 0-00-219318-3. (Natrix maura, pp. 202–204 + Plate 37 + Map 115).
  • Linnaeus C. 1758. Systema naturæ per regna tria naturæ, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, locis. Tomus I. Editio Decima, Reformata. Stockholm: L. Salvius. 824 pp. (Coluber maurus, new species, p. 219). (in Latin).


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