MlZad
On-duty SnakeMan, 0-24h
While writing/translating the text for the Dice Snake (Natrix tessellata tessellata) for my web page, I came across this written in my field guide:
"...regularly spending much of its time in water. Usually found below 1000m but can extend 2200m. Often remains beneath surface for long periods, even hours."
From the text I concluded that they mean beneath the surface of the water, but for hours?? I know that the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix helvetica subspecies) can hold its breath for 30 min, and they grow up to 200 m! The Dice Snake grows only to about 130 cm, but is usually under 80 cm, so it holding its breath for hours is puzzling to me... is that true, or is it a mistake in the text?
btw- the book is "Reptiles & Amphibians of Britain and Europe", Collins Field Guide, by N. Arnold & D. Ovenden
Thanks for your help.
"...regularly spending much of its time in water. Usually found below 1000m but can extend 2200m. Often remains beneath surface for long periods, even hours."
From the text I concluded that they mean beneath the surface of the water, but for hours?? I know that the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix helvetica subspecies) can hold its breath for 30 min, and they grow up to 200 m! The Dice Snake grows only to about 130 cm, but is usually under 80 cm, so it holding its breath for hours is puzzling to me... is that true, or is it a mistake in the text?
btw- the book is "Reptiles & Amphibians of Britain and Europe", Collins Field Guide, by N. Arnold & D. Ovenden
Thanks for your help.
