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RAUK - Archived Forum - Caspian Sea snake?

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Caspian Sea snake?:
Author Message
M.A.
Member
Joined: 19 Jul 2010
No. of posts: 3


View other posts by M.A. 		Posted: 19 Jul 2010
I have had large quantities of this species of snake come
up on to our Barge.

We are in the Southern Caspian sea and I have been told
that it is Malpolon monspessulanus but we are 2KM
offshore and these Snake are frequent visitors.

If anyone can ID this species that would be great.

Thanks,

Mark


M.A.40378.4345833333
M.A.
Member
Joined: 19 Jul 2010
No. of posts: 3


View other posts by M.A. 		Posted: 19 Jul 2010


Second shot.
Jimpklop
Senior Member
Joined: 23 May 2006
No. of posts: 200


View other posts by Jimpklop 		Posted: 19 Jul 2010
Hello Mark

I would have said that was right, but two things threw me off a little bit,
the 2km offshore, Malpolon monspessulanus as far as I know aren't
strong swimmers, but are occasionally seen in water.

And the heavily keeled scales (the ridge running down the centre of the
scale). So having said that I would say its more likely a Natrix tessellata,
Dice snake, who are very aquatic and have much heavier keeled scales
than Malpolon monspessulanus.
Hopefully someone can clarify this, as you can probably tell I'm not 100%
sure.

James
Im Craving Adder's(www.jimpklop.moonfruit.com)
Jimpklop
Senior Member
Joined: 23 May 2006
No. of posts: 200


View other posts by Jimpklop 		Posted: 19 Jul 2010
From seeing the snakes markings on the second shot I'd say its definitely
a Natrix tessellata, Dice snake.
Im Craving Adder's(www.jimpklop.moonfruit.com)
kevinb
Senior Member
Joined: 18 Mar 2009
No. of posts: 61


View other posts by kevinb 		Posted: 19 Jul 2010
yes you are right, Dice snake
M.A.
Member
Joined: 19 Jul 2010
No. of posts: 3


View other posts by M.A. 		Posted: 20 Jul 2010
I knew I could rely on the Chaps from Blighty.

Really greatly appreciated and even better news as the
Dice snake is not poisonous.

In my past years living in Thailand and working in the
Caspian region I am encountering more and more reptiles.
Just a couple of months ago I had to evict a very docile
Asiatic Cobra from a friends house.

The more I come in to contact with these amazing
creatures the more interest I gain.

Once again many thanks to you both.

Mark

- Caspian Sea snake?

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