A large fomidable, often uniform snake with rather stiff, slender body and narrow characteristically shaped head. The combination of large eyes and strong "brows" gives this snake a very penetrating expression. Pattern very variable; ground colour grey, reddish-brown, olive, greenish or blackish. Many adults are more or less uniform, but may have scattered light or dark spots, or both. It can grow up to 200 cm, including tail.
It is a vivid terrestrial snake which usually can be found in warm, dry habitats, nearly always with some plant cover in which it often hides. When threatened hisses loudly and for long periods; may also flatten body and spread neck. Provoked ani- mals often try to bite. It feeds on lizards, other snakes, small mammals and occasionally on birds.
Prey animals are killed by action of venom. Fangs are at the back of the upper jaw and because of this they are only liable to be used effectively on human beings if the snake is actu- ally picked up. A severe bite from a free snake is unlikely. In man, prolonged bites to the hand produce numbing and stiffness in the arm, as well as swelling and even fever. This usually passes in a few hours.

One of the longest snakes, reaching sometimes up to 300 cm., with a fairly well-defined but smallish head, smooth scales, fairly prominent eyes and round pupils. It has a yellow- brown, olive-brown or reddish colour with a pattern of narrow stripes that extend all over the body.

This is a diurnal, very swift and largely terrestrial species living in dry, open habitats, usually with some veg- etation. Often not very inclined to retreat and bites readily when handled.
Adults eat mainy small mammals. Youngsters take a high proportion of lizards and grasshoppers.

A rather large snake, usually up to 120 cm, often less but occasionally up to 200 cm. Females grow larger than males. It has a very variable colur. The body is usually olive-grey, greenish, olive-brown or even steel- grey with various dark blotches and sometimes light stripes.

Natrix natrix is a largely diurnal spe- cies and usually occurs near water. Swims well and may hunt in water. When disturbed may hiss and strike with mouth closed, but rarely bites. Often voids evil smelling contents of anal gland when handled, and may feign death, Iying on back with mouth open and tongue hanging out. Its food consists predominantly of frogs but fish are also occasionally taken and even small mammals.

A slender snake with a broad flat head, usually up to about 75 cm., but sometimes over 100 cm. Has small eyes with vertical cat-like pupil. Its colour is usually grey, beige or brown- ish with a conspicuous dark spot or collar just behind the head, and a se- ries of dark transverse bars or blotch- es on back.

It is usually found in stony places, rocky degraded woodland, old walls, rock piles, ruins, etc. Mainly hunts at twilight but sometimes is active at night in summer and by day in the cooler part of the year. Feeds almost entirely on lizards. Once caught, liz- ards are held in jaws while venom takes effect. Telescopus varies in temperament. Some animals bite when handled.

This snake has grooved fangs at back of upper jaw which inject venom into prey causing death of small liz- ards in two or three minutes. Unlikely to be dangerous to man as the mouth is too small to allow fangs to be used effectively.

Big strong viper with a sturdy head that is clearly distinguishable from the neck. Has relatively small eyes with perpendicular slit pupils and keeled scales. Its colour is whitish-grey, straw-yellow or rust-brown.

On its back there are two rows of ochre-coloured staggered transverse patches. Generally a robust snake reaching up to 150 cm and occasionally 200 cm. It dwells in sunny, scarcely planted slopes and dry riverbeds with small pools where it waits for prey.

It is a mainly day-active very poison- ous viper. Nevertheless during the summer months of July and August it hunts mainly at night. Its prey con- sists mainly of rats, mice, birds, liz- ards and occassionally snakes.

This viper has a very strong poison and its bite must be treated by antidote and the victim must be hospitalised.

This is the only endemic reptile spe- cies of Cyprus. Can be encountered in Akamas, the Paphos forest and in a few other areas of the Paphos district .

It has a long and slender body with a distinguishable head reaching in length up to 110 cm. Its colour is black, dark-brown or olive-brown with a well defined white ring around the eyes. It has a relatively large mouth with small sharp teeth without venom.

This snake species was identified in early 1983 and this is why so little is known as to its habits. It prefers rocky areas covered with vegetation, is a diurnal species and feeds mainly on lizards. The carob lizard, Ableph- arus kitaibelbi should be an appropri- ate pray for this species. Judging from its body, the Cyprus Whip Snake must be good climber.

A strong snake with the head clearly distinguishable from the neck. Eyes with round pupils and lightly keeled scales all over until the very long tale. The upper head can have a variable colouring. On the back from head to tail there are dark brown patches. Its total length can reach up to 1,50cm.

Coluber nummifer is a day-active snake, loves the sun and is remarka- bly agile and extremely fast. Lives near populated areas where it looks for food in old stone walls. When threatened instead of giving way as most snake do, attacks back. Its bite, although painful because of its sharp teeth is completely harmless.

It feeds on small mammals, lizards and birds. When small feeds on big insects. The prey is encircled in a split second and strangled to death.