Malpolon

A medium-sized snake found mainly in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East. This snake is non-venomous to humans but has mild venom that it uses to catch its prey, like small mammals, birds, and lizards. The venom is delivered through grooves in the back of its teeth, so it’s not harmful to humans but very effective for hunting.

One of the most distinctive features of the Malpolon is its large, prominent eyes with round pupils, giving it excellent vision. This helps it spot prey from a distance, even in the harsh, sunny environments where it often lives. The snake’s head is slightly wider than its body, which tapers smoothly down to a long, slender tail. The body itself is usually olive green, brown, or gray, sometimes with a pattern of darker spots or stripes. These colors help it blend into its surroundings, making it hard for both prey and predators to spot.

Malpolons are known for being very active during the day, unlike many other snakes that prefer to hunt at night. They are fast and agile, often seen quickly slithering across open spaces in search of food. When threatened, they can be quite defensive, raising the front part of their body off the ground and hissing loudly to scare off predators or curious humans.

An interesting fact about the Malpolon is that it can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from coastal areas and forests to rocky hills and farmlands. It is particularly common in Mediterranean climates, where it enjoys the warm, sunny weather. Despite this, the snake is very adaptable and can survive in many different environments.