A to Z of Pests

Snakes

Suborder: Serpentes

Appearance

• Reptiles bodies are covered with scales or horny plates.

Lifecycle

• The Adder give birth to live young, but other reptiles lay eggs.
• They shed their skins at least once a year (species dependent) allowing the reptile to grow, disposing of parasites, dirt and deposits on the skin.

Habits

• Dry heaths are the best habitats, but semi-natural areas such as railway embankments, sea walls etc. and most sunny south facing areas with a slope/open vegetation are suitable.
• All snakes can eat their prey whole as their jaws open very wide, with the upper and lower jaws able to move separately.