natrix

Natrix is a genus of non-venomous snakes commonly known as grass snakes. These snakes are found throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The genus Natrix is characterized by its slender bodies, smooth scales, and typically dark coloration, often with a distinctive pattern of spots or stripes. Their diet primarily consists of amphibians, particularly frogs and toads, though they will also consume fish and small mammals.

Grass snakes are semi-aquatic and can often be found near bodies of water such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. They are excellent swimmers and divers, using their aquatic environment for both hunting and escape. When threatened, Natrix snakes may flatten their heads and necks to appear larger, hiss, or release a foul-smelling musk from their cloacal glands as a defense mechanism. They are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs. The number of eggs laid varies depending on the species and environmental conditions.

There are several recognized species within the Natrix genus, including the European grass snake (Natrix helvetica) and the barred grass snake (Natrix maura). These snakes play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling populations of their prey. Despite their common name, not all grass snakes are strictly associated with grasslands, with many species inhabiting a variety of moist environments.