Grass snake
The grass snake is a nonvenomous Eurasian snake traditionally classified as Natrix natrix. It often lives near water and feeds mainly on amphibians.
Amphibian: An ectothermic vertebrate in the group comprising frogs, toads, and salamanders, typically associated with water during reproduction. Frogs and other amphibians make up much of the grass snake’s prey.
Natrix: A genus of nonvenomous snakes native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The grass snake belongs to Natrix, a genus of mostly aquatic or waterside snakes.
Wetland conservation: The protection and restoration of wetlands and their ecological functions. Wetlands support grass snake prey and provide the water-edge habitats the species favors.
Dice snake: A nonvenomous European and western Asian water-associated snake in the genus Natrix. It shares aquatic habits with grass snakes but is more strongly associated with fish prey.
Thanatosis: A defensive behavior in which an animal becomes temporarily immobile, often appearing dead. Grass snakes may feign death when threatened, sometimes while releasing foul-smelling fluid.
Natrix natrix: A species of nonvenomous snake traditionally called the grass snake, distributed across much of Europe and western Asia. This is the traditional scientific classification specified by the grass snake's name.
Amphibian conservation: Efforts to protect amphibian species, populations, and habitats. Amphibian declines can reduce a major food source for grass snakes.
Smooth snake: A nonvenomous European snake, Coronella austriaca, that often inhabits heathland and dry grassland. It is a native European snake that occupies drier habitats and can be confused with other species.
Autotomy: The voluntary shedding of a body part, usually as a defense against a predator. Grass snakes can shed their tails under attack, though the tail does not regrow.
Natrix helvetica: A western European grass snake species recognized separately from Natrix natrix in modern classifications. Its recognition as a distinct species changed the traditional boundaries of Natrix natrix.