Ladder Snake, Rhinechis scalaris,

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Ladder Snake, Rhinechis scalaris, swimming in a Portuguese swimming pool. Derives its scientific and common name from the markings of its young, which in addition to the pair of dorsal stripes running down the back have dark bars running across their backs. It inhabits coastal regions and can usually be found in sunny areas, stony slopes, open deciduous woods, vineyards. Grows to Juveniles have distinctive ladder pattern, of which the "rungs" fade to become lateral lines when adult. A constrictor. No fangs, not venomous. Population in decline.

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Size: 5128px × 3344px
Location: Portugal
Photo credit: © Naturepix / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: algarve, animal, colubrid, colubridae, elaphe, iberia, iberian, ladder, natural, nature, naturepix, pattern, pechina, peninsular, poisonous, pool, portugal, portuguese, reptile, reptilia, rhinechis, scalaris, shadow, snake, squamata, square, swim, swimming, venom, vertebrata, water, wet, zag, zig