About Zamenis lineatus (Camerano, 1891)
This species, the Italian Aesculapian snake, is scientifically classified as Zamenis lineatus (Camerano, 1891). It is a medium to large snake, with a maximum total length including tail of 2 meters (6+1⁄2 feet). Its dorsal coloration is yellowish brown, and it may have four dark brown stripes; any stripes that are present are equal in width and equally spaced from each other. This species has smooth dorsal scales. Its iris is red, which gives the species its Italian common name saettone occhirossi, meaning red-eyed racer. Zamenis lineatus is native to southern Italy and Sicily. The northern edge of its geographic range reaches the Province of Caserta in the west and the Province of Foggia in the east. It is not found on the Salentine Peninsula (Salento), the 'heel' of Italy's 'boot' shape. The type locality for this species is Naples. Its natural habitats include temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, and urban areas. It occurs at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 1,600 m (5,200 ft). Zamenis lineatus reproduces by laying eggs, it is oviparous.
