Dice snake

A big, harmless snake that likes to live near freshwater

Guy Haimovitch


Dice snake

EXEWCRENVUNTLCDDNE

A big, harmless snake that likes to live near freshwater

Population

This species can indeed reach lengths of up to 130 cm (51 in) and is characterized by its stout body, robust triangular head, and distinctive coloration, which often includes a brown or grey base with darker spots or rings along its back. The patterning on the dice snake’s body can be quite variable, serving as camouflage in its natural habitat and sometimes indicating the region from which the individual originates.

As a semi-aquatic species, the dice snake is often found near rivers, lakes, and ponds, where it is an adept swimmer. Its diet is primarily piscivorous, with fish constituting the bulk of its intake. However, it also consumes amphibians, such as frogs, toads, and tadpoles, particularly when fish are less available. The snake’s hunting strategy involves both active pursuit and ambush, using its speed and agility in water and land to capture its prey.

Despite being non-venomous, the dice snake has several defense mechanisms to deter predators. It can display aggressive behavior when threatened, using its sharp teeth to deliver a painful bite. Additionally, it can emit a foul-smelling secretion from its cloaca, which is often enough to discourage would-be attackers. Sometimes, the dice snake may employ thanatosis or play dead to avoid predation.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Afghanistan
2020
Albania
2020
Armenia
2020
Austria
2020
Azerbaijan
2020
Bosnia And Herz.
2020
Bulgaria
2020
China
2020
Xinjiang
Croatia
2020
Cyprus
2020
Czechia
2020
Egypt
2020
Georgia
2020
Germany
2020
Greece
2020
Hungary
2020
Iran
2020
Iraq
2020
Israel
2020
Italy
2020
Jordan
2020
Kazakhstan
2020
Kyrgyzstan
2020
Lebanon
2020
Moldova
2020
Montenegro
2020
North Macedonia
2020
Pakistan
2020
Romania
2020
Russia
2020
Saudi Arabia
2020
Possibly Extant
Serbia
2020
Slovakia
2020
Slovenia
2020
Switzerland
2020
Syria
2020
Tajikistan
2020
Turkey
2020
Turkmenistan
2020
Ukraine
2020
Uzbekistan
2020
Yemen
2020
Presence Uncertain

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Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No