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Overview
Short description of Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian Snake
Large, agile snake up to 1.75 m long (mostly shorter). Dark greyish or brownish above and yellowish below. Young animals are marked with spots and often have yellowish markings around the head, so may be confused with young grass snakes.
Description of Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian Snake status in GB
There are two self-sustaining populations of the Aesculapian snake known in GB: vicinity of Welsh Mountain Zoo, Colwyn Bay, N Wales and vicinity of London Zoo, central London.
Habitat summary: Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian Snake
A variety of sheltered but warm, sunny habitats; climbs well and often seen in bushes or trees.
Overview table
| Environment: |
Terrestrial
|
| Species status: |
Non-Native
|
| Native range: |
Albania, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, France, Gruziya, Greece, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Turkey, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia
|
| Functional type: |
Predator
|
| Status in England: |
Non-Native
|
| Status in Scotland: |
Non-Native
|
| Status in Wales: |
Non-Native
|
| Location of first record: |
Colwyn Bay (50)
|
| Date of first record: |
1970
|
Invasion history: Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian Snake
Origin
Central southern Europe (but not most of Iberia) into near Asia.
First Record
1970s (North Wales).
Pathway and Method
The two known populations are associated with zoos, from which it is presumed they originally escaped.
Species Status
Known populations are reproducing successfully but not thought to be spreading far from existing areas, though this needs monitoring.
Ecology & Habitat: Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian Snake
Dispersal Mechanisms
Not currently thought to be spreading but these large, mobile snakes are certainly capable of travelling a considerable distance from existing sites.
Reproduction
Up to 18 large, grooved eggs laid in piles of decaying vegetation, loose soil or holes (even in trees). Juveniles are already about 20 cm long on hatching.
Known Predators/Herbivores
Unrecorded but avian predators (such as buzzards) will take them.
Resistant Stages
None.
Habitat Occupied in GB
Parkland, shrubby areas, open woods.
Distribution: Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian Snake
Two established populations.
Impacts: Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian Snake
Environmental Impact
Unknown unrecorded.
Health and Scoial Impact
None known.
Economic Impact
None known.
References & Links: Zamenis longissimus, Aesculapian Snake
Identification
Inns, H. (2009) Britain’s reptiles and amphibians. Wildguides, Old Basing.
Biology, ecology, spread, vectors
Inns, H. (2009) Britain’s reptiles and amphibians. Wildguides, Old Basing.
Gasc, J.-P. (Ed.) (1997) Atlas of amphibians and reptiles in Europe. Societas Europaea Herpetologica and Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris.
Management and impact
General
Inns, H. (2009) Britain’s reptiles and amphibians. Wildguides, Old Basing.
Gasc, J.-P. (Ed.) (1997) Atlas of amphibians and reptiles in Europe. Societas Europaea Herpetologica and Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris.
Gallery: Aesculapian Snake
