Biacco Hierophis viridiflavus

Speed champion

Slender, agile and fast, the green whip snake is one of the most discreet inhabitants of this area. 
Its scientific name already tells us something about its appearance: viridiflavus, “green-yellow”.
With a bit of luck, on warmer days you may see it basking in the sun or hunting lizards, small rodents and other snakes, including vipers. 
If disturbed, it will slither away quickly. But if the threat looms and it has no escape route, it first emits a loud, deep hiss to scare off the attacker, and if the attacker does not leave, it can become reactive... However, it is not venomous and poses no danger to humans. It is a highly adaptable species and quite common throughout Italy, but it is often the victim of road accidents, suffers from habitat fragmentation and the unjust persecution to which all snakes are subjected.
So when you encounter one, don't be afraid: it is one of the many silent guardians of our natural environment.

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