Title Die Gartenlaube
Publisher Ernst Keil's Nachfolger
Year of publication 1863
Description
Bild aus Seite 069 in "Die Gartenlaube". Image from page 069 of journal Die Gartenlaube, 1863.
Deutsch: Bildunterschrift: „Fleckennatter im Kampf mit einer Eidechse“
English: caption: "Fleckennatter im Kampf mit einer Eidechse"
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Die_Gartenlaube_(1863)_b_069.jpg

The smooth snake (Coronella austriaca) is a non-venomous colubrid species found in northern and central Europe, but also as far east as northern Iran. In contrast with many other snakes found in the region, the dorsal scales of the middle body are flat (not keeled). This gives the snake a smooth texture to the touch, from which it gets its common name.