History and origin
The Southern smooth snake was first described by Daudin in 1803, the scientific name of this species is Coronella girondica, Coronella comes from latin and means 'small crown' this has been given because of this snakes pattern around the head. Girondica is latin for Girondine (region in south western France).

Characteristics
They are characterised by a checkered belly, the most apparent difference to distinguish it from its close cousin, the Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca).

Description
=Size=
They hatch at around 25 cm, averaging about 50 cm long growing up to 90 cm long.
=Morphology=
They are slim and elegant, with a slim head and pointed snout. Their head is longer then that of the Smooth snake (Coronella austriaca). Their smooth scales are remarkable.
=Patterns & colours=
They are metallic grey or brown with darker patterns along the back, these patterns are in the form of cross bands that are not linked together. They have a dark band that goes through their eye from the neck upwards. Sometimes it is possible that they are orange/pink in colour.

Geographical range
Found in Portugal, Spain, southern half of France, Italy, especially (north)west. Southern limit in Italy not entirely clear.

Subspecies
None described within Europe.

Sexual differences
Females are larger then the males, especially in late spring when they carry their eggs.

Seasonal variations
None.

Diet
Their main food source are lizards (e.g. geckoes) and other, smaller snakes, they also eat small rodents. Their prey is killed by constriction.

Defensive habits
They do not defend themselves in the same way as many other snake species. They only rarely bite and do not hiss much. Their secretive habits cause them to not often come across humans.

Reproduction
Breeding occurs when the snakes wake up from hibernation in spring, a week after, they are all looking for each other and mating begins. After only a few weeks about 10 eggs are laid (extremes are from 1 to 20 eggs) in a moist, warm spot, usually under hey piles, in rotting wood piles and other places of this kind. The eggs incubate for around 9 weeks before hatching.

Sexual maturity, life span
The average life span for Coronella girondica is about 15. They reach sexual maturity when they are 4 years old.

Habits
The snake genus Coronella is among the least known of European snakes. This is because they are secretive, shy and not often observed. Coronella girondica comes out mostly in the evening and at night.

Venom
This is a non-venomous snake.

Habitat
They live in rocky areas. They are frequent on green hillsides with rock walls.

Predators
They are killed by birds of prey, other snake eating snakes, mammals, etc.

Southern Smooth snake, Coronella girondica - © Daniel Phillips

Southern Smooth snake, Coronella girondica - © Lars Bergendorf

Southern Smooth snake, Coronella girondica - © Jeroen Speybroeck

Ventral view of a Southern Smooth snake, Coronella girondica - © Lars Bergendorf