Telescopus fallax
Photo: Jeffrey Sciberras · CC BY-SA 3.0
Reptile

Telescopus fallax Facts

Telescopus fallax

Reptile

The European cat snake (Telescopus fallax), or the Mediterranean cat snake, is a species of venomous snake belonging to the family Colubridae. This species is found in Southeastern Europe and Western Asia.

Diet
It feeds mainly on geckos, lizards, and other snakes.

Telescopus fallax Facts at a Glance

The European cat snake (Telescopus fallax), or the Mediterranean cat snake, is a species of venomous snake belonging to the family Colubridae. This species is found in Southeastern Europe and Western Asia.

It belongs to the family Colubridae in the order Squamata. This profile is designed as a concise starting point; the source names below document the review basis.

Telescopus fallax Conservation Status

Telescopus fallax is listed here as Least Concern. Protecting habitat, maintaining healthy prey or food sources, and reducing human pressure are important parts of conserving wild populations.

Quick facts

Fun facts

  • Its venom can still be injected when biting if a body part is deep enough to attempt to swallow.
  • The European cat snake is venomous, but because it is rear-fanged (i.e. its fangs are located at the back of the upper jaw), its venom is not very effective against humans.
  • The species can be found in open and scrubby country including beaches and open woodlands.

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Sources and image credit

Animal facts are reviewed against the references below. The photograph remains available under the stated license.