A non-venomous European water snake with a peppered "dice" pattern, hunting fish almost exclusively in clean streams and lakes.
Description
The dice snake is a slim, olive-grey to brown aquatic snake with a series of small dark square markings arranged in a chequered pattern over the back, suggesting rolled dice. The head is narrow and pointed, and the nostrils sit on the top of the snout for breathing while swimming.
Behavior
Dice snakes are highly aquatic, spending much of their day hunting fish in shallow water. When alarmed they release a foul musk and may feign death. Despite their water-loving habits they bask extensively on warm stones and willow branches above the water.
Range
Distributed across central and southern Europe, the Balkans, and southwest Asia east to western China. Pollution and dam construction have eliminated dice snakes from many waterways in their European range.
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Dice Snake starts with D and ends with E. Browse other snakes along the same letter.
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