Coronella
| Coronella | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Smooth snake, C. austriaca | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Subfamily: | Colubrinae |
| Genus: |
Coronella Laurenti, 1768 |
Coronella is a genus of harmless colubrids found in Europe, North Africa and West Asia. Three species are currently recognized.
These are relatively small species, rarely growing to more than 60 cm in length. The head is only slightly distinct from the neck and the pupils are round. The teeth of the upper jaw increase in size towards the back. The body is almost cylindrical and covered with smooth scales. The subcaudals are paired.
They are terrestrial and rather secretive, spending much of their time under cover.
Their diet is made up mainly of lizards and the young of other snakes, as well as small rodents, especially young still in the nest. They have often been described as constrictors, although there is no good evidence for this. Street (1979) notes that prey is held firmly in its coils, but only for the purpose of restraint rather than to kill it.
Europe, North Africa and West Asia.
*) Not including the nominate subspecies (typical form).
Coronella is closely related to the American kingsnakes (Lampropeltis) and both groups were once classified within the same genus.
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Wikipedia