How to differentiate, for sure, snake and viper, two snakes which one can meet in France?
You will also be interested
[EN VIDÉO] Venom to treat diabetes, obesity and allergies In the south of Belgium, a research team is working on a somewhat unusual subject. By using venom taken from wild animals, scientists hope to develop treatments against diabetes, allergies or obesity. The Euronews channel tells us more during this episode of Futuris.
Here are some clues that will allow you to tell the difference between a snake and a viper.
Note first that the general shape of the head of these animals is not a good way to differentiate them. Often, the viper has a triangular head while the grass snake has an oval head, but some older snakes can have a triangular head.
A slit pupil for the viper and a round pupil for the snake
Here is a foolproof way to tell the difference between a snake and a viper: vipers have a vertical slit pupil, like that of a cat, while snakes have a round pupil.
scales and tail
One of the main differences is in the type of scales present on the head of the snake. Snakes have large scales that look like a breastplate, while vipers have a multitude of small scales.
The snake has a tapering tail while the body of the viper ends abruptly.
The viper is poisonous
The viper is venomous (one thinks of the asp viper, common in France). However, there are also poisonous snakes, such as the Montpellier snake for example. His venom is not dangerous for humans, but the bite still remains unpleasant. The grass snake (Natrix natrix)the most common in France, is not poisonous.
These animals do not attack first and always try to flee. The snake can play dead if it is surprised: do not try to touch it! Snakes are species protected; it is forbidden to kill them, capture them or even pick up their corpse.
Interested in what you just read?