Distribution in Greece: Mainland (except regions that Elaphe sauromates occurs), Peloponnese, Evia, Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Kalamos, Karlonissi, Provati, Spetses, Kea, Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros, Naksos, Heraklia, Schinoussa, Ios, Amorgos, Skiathos, Skyros, probably on other islands too.
General Information:
Non-venomous. The subspecies found in Greece are: Elaphe quatuorlineata quatuorlineata (Lacépède, 1789) Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri (Bedriaga, 1882) (Cyclades) Elaphe quadrolineata scyrensis (Cattaneo, 1999) (Skyros) Elaphe quatuorlineata parensis (Cattaneo, 1999) (Paros)
<Unicoloured individuals from Amorgos have been described by some authors as a different subspecies Elaphe quatuorlineata rechingeri (Werner, 1932) or as a different species Elaphe rechingeri (Clark, 1994), but now those two names are considered as synonyms of Elaphe quatuorlineata muenteri>.
Young individuals have different coloration than adults. Total length usually up to 150cm, but it can reach 260cm in extreme cases. It occurs in varied habitats, at altitudes up to 1400m. Diurnal snake that avoids high temperatures. It hunts on the ground but often climbs on trees and bushes. It swims capably. Feeds on small mammals like mice, rats and small rabbits, also on birds, lizards, amphibians and eggs. It breeds in spring and females give birth to 3-18 eggs. Hatchling snakes can be up to 40cm long. Not a very aggressive snake, but it could bite if caught. Usually a quite gentle snake. Harmless.
