Aesculapian Snake

eskulapova zmija · Zamenis longissimus

reptileprotected

A long, elegant, harmless climber of warm woodland and old stone ruins — the snake coiled around the rod of Asclepius, symbol of medicine to this day.

Identification & best seen

Up to ~1.6 m, slender and glossy olive-brown; an agile climber of trees and walls.

Habitat & where to see

Sunny forest edges, vineyards, old walls and ruins.

Fun fact

Its image — twined around a staff — is the ancient and modern emblem of healing.