Disssscovered, a new UK snake

A NEW type of UK snake has been discovered – bringing our species total to four.

Scientists say that the barred grass snake, Natrix helvetica, above, is a different species to the common or eastern grass snake – Natrix natrix.

Before, it was thought the grass snake was one species with several subspecies that looked slightly different. Others native to the UK are the smooth snake and the adder, which is venomous.

Grass snakes are a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act so it is an offence to injure or kill them.

Both types of grass snake are normally found in lowland regions in the south of England. The snakes can be more than 3ft long, are found near water and eat mainly amphibians such as frogs and newts.

The barred grass snake is grey, not olive green like the N. natrix – and does not have the same bright yellow collar. Its black stripes along its length are also far more noticeable.

The Senckenberg Research Institute in Germany led the study into the genetics of more than 1,600 grass snakes.