Montpellier snake
A species of Malpolon Scientific name : Malpolon monspessulanus Genus : Malpolon
Montpellier snake, A species of Malpolon
Scientific name: Malpolon monspessulanus
Genus: Malpolon
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Juan Lacruz , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
Malpolon monspessulanus, commonly known as the Montpellier snake, is a species of mildly venomous rear-fanged colubrids.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Montpellier snake predominantly feeds on small vertebrates, particularly rodents, and avian species. Adept at climbing, it often ambushes birds in their nests, supplementing this with opportunistic ingestion of lizards, frogs, and occasionally insects.
Appearance
Montpellier snake is a large, slender snake with smooth scales. It exhibits a primarily olive-grey color, often adorned with blotchy dark brown markings. A noticeable characteristic is its slit-like pupil within a uniquely yellow iris. Notably, montpellier snake possesses an upturned snout used for burrowing. Adult males, recognizably larger than females, also display a darker, almost black hue during summer months.
Behavior
Montpellier snake manifests a solitary lifestyle, mainly active at dusk and dawn, identified with crepuscular behavior. Exhibiting a stern territorial defense, it rapidly vibrates its tail when agitated. Fascinatingly, it uses a rear-fang venomous bite for predation, without stalking or constricting prey, displaying a unique 'chew and release' strategy.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Lamprophiid snakes Genus
Malpolon Species
Montpellier snake 
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