Poisonous Snakes in the Spring Time in Greece

The Snake Commonly Known in Greece as 'OCHIA.'
The Scientific Name: Vipera ammodytes


When walking in the hills, especially during the first month of Spring, be very careful and on the look out for the famous Poisonous Snake of Greece ....THE OCHIA! It's bite can be fatal and there are few, if any antidotes available in pharmacies and hospitals in Greece!!!

I took this photo at the Monastery of Agios Pavlos in Plaka above Lavrion on 3rd April, 2009. The Nun there, who was clearing the overgrowth in their garden told me that this was the second snake they had killed in the past week. She also told me that this snake must be killed by smashing the head, or else the snake does not die, even if it is cut into two pieces, and that it will 'regenerate' just as an earthworm does when it is cut!

The Ochia is a long, thin snake and is well camouflaged. It likes to sun itself on the rocks in the Spring time. If you have the misfortune of being bitten, your best bet is to find a Veterinarian, who may more likely have an antidote than even a hospital! This is because hunters more often have their hunting dogs bitten by these snakes than do local people. The Greeks do not climb up on the hillsides and rocks in the Spring time for this reason.

Most people and especially tourists, do not think of Greece as a country with poisonous animals. Perhaps this is because, most of the poisonous creatures in Greece are rarely seen. This, fortunately for most, is just as well kept that way. It remains a fact that these poisonous creatures do exist in Greece and far better to be warned than sorry.

In the 30 years I have been in Greece, this was the first and only sighting of a poisonous snake that I was aware of. I've never seen a scorpion and the spiders...well, I saw some huge hanging spiders on the island of Kea that were unidentified at the time! Neverthless, I like to think that I have no desire to go off hunting for this creatures. As my Grandmother used to say, 'Best to leave sleeping dogs (spiders, snakes and scorpions) Lie! I'll second that!

Venomous Animals in Greece:

• Buthus occitanus
• Latrodectus mactans
• Latrodectus tredecimguttatus
• Loxosceles rufescens
• Macrovipera lebetina
• Macrovipera schweizeri
• Malpolon monspessulanus
• Vipera ammodytes
• Vipera berus
• Vipera ursinii
• Vipera xanthina




Identification
Family: Buthidae

Scientific Names: Buthus occitanus occitanus
Common Names:
Description
Medium to large scorpion, adults up to 7.5+ cm long. Body, pedipalps & post-abdomen all dark-brown, legs lighter, brown to yellowish-brown; post-abdomen relatively thick & wide (but not as much as for Androctonus spp.).


Habitat
Found mainly in semi-arid, arid, or desert areas w/ limited vegetation, sometimes in margins of cultivated land & oases; from near sea level up to at least 300 m elevation. Widely distributed in southern Europe, on several Mediterranean islands, northern Africa & the Middle East.
Activity and Behavior
Nocturnal, preys mainly on insects & other arthropods, sometimes eats small lizards, too. Mating includes elaborate courtship "dance." Young hatch within female & later crawl out her genital opening. Young sometimes climb onto female's dorsum, & may crawl down & feed on body juices of prey she is concurrently consuming.
Venom Characteristics
Mainly neurotoxic, w/ possible cardiotoxic & cytotoxic factors. Usually causes intense local pain, slight local swelling, w/ systemic circulatory problems & shock being the reported cause of death. More than 25% of seriously envenomated people were <10 years old (5 of 28 died in one North African report). The only medically important scorpion found in southern Europe, but venom seems more potent in N. African subspecies.

Latrodectus mactans
Identification
Family: Theridiidae
Scientific Names: Aranea mactans, Latrodectus albomaculatus, L. formidabilis, L. insularis insularis, L. i. lunulifer, L. intersector, L. mactans mexicanus, L. m. texanus, L. perfidus, L. sagittifer, Tetragnatha zorilla, Theridion lineatum, T. lineamentum, T. verecundum [Note: This is one of the 2 most geographically wide-spread & best known of at least 31 currently valid species in this genus.]
Common Names: Black Widow Spider, Southern Black Widow, red-back spider, jockey spider, Katipo, viuda negra, chiranthahua, arana brava, casampulga, la coya, arana naranja
Description
Medium-sized cobweb spider, females' body (cephalothorax + abdomen) usually 10-15 mm long, satiny dark-brown to black w/ reddish "hourglass" mark on posterior ventral abdomen, often w/ a reddish spot on dorsal abdomen just above its tip. Female abdomen rounded & globular. Males much smaller, rather slender w/ relatively long legs. Males & young often w/ varying pattern of many stripes or blotches of red, white & brown on body.



Habitat
Most often found hanging in typical "cobwebs" in upper corners of basements, crawl spaces, outbuildings, & under seats of outdoor privies, usually near garbage or debris, wherever insect prey is abundant. Geographically wide spread. Found in southern U.S. (New York to northern California & southward), several Caribbean islands, Mexico, & Central & parts of South America.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal, hangs in web awaiting prey, usually tries to get away from large animals & people, but will often aggressively defend its egg clusters (sacs) which it has hung in its web. Feeds on nearly any kind of insect or arthropod which gets caught in its web. Males are not always eaten after mating w/ a female, usually only if female has not fed recently, but he is often "biologically spent" & dies soon afterward anyway.
Venom Characteristics
Mainly neurotoxic (presynaptic sites). Bite usually like a pinprick, often not felt 'til 15 min. later, then pain may be locally intense. Severe envenomation causes symptoms like spreading intense pain, lots of sweating, fast & shallow breathing, eyelids swollen, alternating excess & lack of salivation, cardiac rate & rhythm changes, rigid abdominal muscles, sight impaired (seeing "light" spots). Human fatalities rare (<5%, untreated) & often due to additional medical problems.

Latrodectus tredecimguttatus

Identification
Family: Theridiidae
Scientific Names: Latrodectus argus, L. conglobatus, L. erebus, L. lugubris, L. malmignatus, L. martius, L. oculatus, L. quinqueguttatus, L. venator, Meta hispida, M. schuchii, Theridion lugubre
Common Names: Mediterranean widow spider, European widow spider, North African Widow spider, 13-spotted widow spider, ragno rosso, malmignatte, la malmignatte, roga, marmaga, bou siha, tendarman, saeuss, crna baba, crve-ni pauk, karakurt, chim
Description
Medium-sized cobweb spider, female's body (cephalothorax + abdomen) usually 9-18 mm long (male's body usually 4-7 mm long & much thinner). Female abdomen globular, very dark-brown to black, usually w/ many (typically 13, up to 17; rarely no markings) moderately large dorsal red blotches in an irregular pattern. Young w/ paler body, red, orange, & white stripes &/or spots in various patterns.



Habitat
Mainly found outdoors, hanging in its typical cobweb in partly sheltered, partly shaded, moderately humid situations (like under an awning, crawl space, wood pile, eave, or window frame) w/ adequate populations of prey insects (or arthropods) nearby. This species is very wide spread around the Mediterranean Sea in southern Europe, northern Africa & the Middle East, also found in Russia.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal. Usually avoids large animals & humans, but females sometimes will aggressively defend their egg sacs hanging in their web. Prey mainly on available insects or arthropods which get caught in its web. Males may be eaten by females after mating, but not always (unless female has not fed recently). Usually bite humans only if molested, stepped on, or pinched in clothing being donned.
Venom Characteristics
Neurotoxic (at pre-synaptic sites). Envenomation (bite) not usually felt for several minutes. May cause intense local pain, followed by spreading pain, sweating, lacrymation, muscle spasms, heart or breathing difficulties, impaired vision, rigid (& painful) abdominal muscle wall, sometimes nausea & vomiting. Envenomation by this species currently causes a few human fatalities annually, mainly of children (about 5% of untreated severe envenomations).

Loxosceles rufescens
Identification
Family: Loxoscelidae
Scientific Names: Scytodes rufescens, Loxosceles marylandica
Common Names: The Mediterranean Recluse, Brown spider, violin spider
Description
Female w/ body usually 7-12 mm long (up to 15 mm). Usually medium-brown to dark chestnut-brown, w/ slightly darker brown "violin shaped" mark on top of carapace (its base along the front margin). Only 6 eyes (in 3 pairs, or diads) around the front edge of the "violin's" base. Abdomen often lighter, legs fairly long, slender & w/ no marks, stripes or obvious strong spines. Usually looks very much like L. reclusa but carapace darker & usually reddish-brown.



Habitat
Found mainly in fairly dry, warm, cryptic, dark, undisturbed sites, often in crevices/ narrow spaces under or beside logs, stones, boxes, or wall voids. Frequently found in sub-basements of older, heated large buildings in temperate zones. Reportedly originated in Mediterranean Europe & N. Africa, but now wide spread in tropical, sub-tropical & many temperate areas (may be nearly cosmopolitan in buildings). Sometimes found outdoors under loose bark near ground level in warm regions.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal, "wandering hunter," typically preying on locally available insects & arthropods. Builds only a loose web in or near harborage (usually in crevices beside or under logs, stones, boxes, etc.), or to cover a clutch of eggs. Usually one of the most reclusive species in this genus & seldom encountered by humans.
Venom Characteristics
Contains moderately potent cytotoxic, hemotoxic, & neurotoxic factors. Very few human envenomations, & no well-documented human fatalities, reported as having been caused by envenomation by this species. But often misidentified as L. reclusa, or other Loxosceles spp.

Macrovipera lebetina
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Coluber lebetinus, Daboia lebetina, D. l. lebetina, D. l. obtusa, D. l. peilei, D. l. transmedeterranea, D. l. turanica, Macrovipera lebetina cernovi, M. l. lebetina, M. l. obtusa, M. l. peilei, M. l. transmediterranea, M. l. turanica, M. deserti, M. mauritanica, Vipera euphratica, Vipera lebetina, V. l. euphratica, V. l. lebetina, V. l. mauritanica, V. l. obtusa, V. l. peilei, V. l. schweizeri, V. l. transmedeterannea, V. l. turanica, V. mauritanica, V. obtusa, V. xanthina
Common Names: Levantine viper, Blunt-nosed viper, Levantenotter, Lebetine viper, Lavantadder, Vipere lebetine, kufi
Description
Medium to large, robust snake, adults usually 70-115 cm long (max. 180 cm); body usually light gray, khaki, or buff, to reddish-brown, w/ double row of opposing or alternating dorsal spots from head to tail. Dark lines usually form a "V-mark", pointing forward, on top of the head. Females usually darker, background color brownish; males usually lighter, background color grayish. Belly light gray to yellow, w/ small dark brown spots; tail short, tapers abruptly, underside of tip yellow.


Habitat
Found in a wide variety of habitats from marshes & plains at sea level to mountainous areas up to 2,000 m elevation. Also semi-desert areas & rocky, hilly country at moderate elevations, w/ scattered bushes & adequate water supply. Often near farms. Rather wide spread in southern Europe, northern Africa, the Middle East, & southern Asia.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal & terrestrial. Most active & alert at night, usually very slow-moving & almost oblivious to stimuli during day, but temperament unpredictable, & may suddenly strike quickly & savagely.
Venom Characteristics
Venom mainly hemotoxic. Envenomation causes sharp pain at site of bite, followed by local swelling & necrosis. Numerous serious envenomations & deaths of humans reported each year.

Macrovipera schweizeri
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Daboia lebetina schweizeri, Vipera lebetina siphnensis, V. l. schweizeri, V. schweizeri
Common Names: Milos viper, Milosotter
Description
Moderately large, semi-arboreal, fairly stout-bodied viper, adults usually 70-100 cm long; body light gray to orange or black, w/ (or without) faint dorsal crossbars, moderately long tail.




Habitat
Found mainly in brushy, rocky hillsides, often near water. Limited to four small Greek islands (Miols, Syphnos, Kimolos, & Polynos). Possibly Europe's most endangered snake species.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly crepuscular or nocturnal, but sometimes ambushes prey in daytime. Preys mainly on migrating passerine birds & sometimes small rodents. Ambush prey by water holes, or climb into bushes to capture roosting birds. Oviparous, w/ up to 10 eggs/ clutch.
Venom Characteristics
Not well known, probably mainly hemotoxic, procoagulant & hemorrhagic. Bites of humans have been reported (but no documented fatalities).
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Malpolon monspessulanus
Identification
Family: Colubridae
Scientific Names: Coelopeltis insignitus, C. lacertina, C. monspessulanus, Coluber insignitus, C. monspessulanus, Malpolon monspessulanus, Malpolon monspessulanus indignitus, M. m. monspessulanus, Natrix lacertina
Common Names: Montpellier snake, Eidechsennater, Hagedisslang
Description
Large, moderately slender, rear-fanged (opisthoglyphous) snake, adults 1.2-1.5 m long (max. 2.5 m); body usually blackish, grayish, brown, or olive; belly yellowish-white. May have indistinct pattern of brown spots along sides. Head distinctive; large fixed upper rear fangs.

Poisonous Snakes and Creatures in Greece by Scientific Name:




Habitat
Found mainly in dry, open, or stony areas, w/ low bushy vegetation, or semi-desert areas along coast. Found at greater than 2,000 m elevation; mainly found in countries bordering the Mediterranean or Black Seas.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly diurnal & mainly terrestrial (but climbs into bushes). Aggressive; will bite if pestered or restrained. Sometimes a savage biter. Mainly preys on small mammals, sometimes also on birds or lizards.
Venom Characteristics
Venom moderately neurotoxic; may cause immediate pain, stiffness, swelling, & fever. Neurological symptoms, such as Central Nervous System depression, ptosis, & paresis of affected limb, difficulty swallowing, observed for up to 48 hours in severe cases.

Vipera ammodytes
[ TOC ]
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Coluber ammodytes, Macrovipera ammodytes, Vipera ammodytes ammodytes, V. a. gregorwallneri, V. a. meridionalis, V. a. montandoni, V. a. ruffoi, V. a. transcaucasiana, Vipera aspis balcanica
Common Names: Nose-horned viper, sand viper, horned viper, long-nosed viper, Europaische Honrotter, Europaische Sandotter, Vipera dal corno, Pepeljanka, Zmije ruzkata, Vipera-cu-corn, European sand viper, eastern sand viper
Description
Medium-sized, stout-bodied viper, adults usually 60-75 cm long (max. 95 cm), w/ distinct horn (formed of small soft scales) atop its snout, 21-23 (rarely 25) midbody dorsal scale rows. Body usually ash gray in males & gray-brown or brick-red in females (much variation), w/ dark brown to black zig-zag along top of back, smaller spots along sides. Belly yellow, brownish, or pinkish w/ small dark spots or blotches.





Habitat
Found in various (mainly arid or semi-arid) habitats from lower plains to 2,500 m elevation, most often at moderately high elevations in dry terrain w/ scattered bushes. Seeks gravelly, rocky hills w/ slopes facing sun. Frequently found in open areas w/ few trees & often associated w/ sandy sites. May move downslope into shaded forested areas in hot season, & back up to drier sites when temperature falls.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly terrestrial, occasionally climb into bushes. Most active in evening, except during colder weather. Generally sluggish & slow-moving by day. Not very aggressive. When annoyed, coils & hisses loudly, but usually does not bite unless disturbance continues. Ovoviviparous w/ 4-15 young/ litter. Preys mainly on small mammals, birds & other vertebrates.
Venom Characteristics
Mainly an extremely potent hemotoxin. Symptoms may include ecchymosis, progressive swelling, lymphedema, shortness of breath, marked limb stiffness, nausea, local hemorrhage, & internal bleeding. Many bites of humans, some w/ significant envenomation, annually. Human fatalities recorded. Fangs relatively long; up to 13 mm.










Vipera berus
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Berus vulgaris, Coluber berus, Chersea vulgaris, Pelias berus, Vipera berus berus, V. b. bosniensis, V. b. pseudoaspis, V. b. sachalinensis, V. b. soeonei, Vipera seoanei (in part)
Common Names: Northern cross adder, common adder, cross adder, adder, European viper, Kreuzotter, northern viper, vipera rossa, Vipera Peliade, Balkan cross adder, Iberian cross adder
Description
Short, w/ fairly-stout body, a bit flattened dorso-ventrally, adults avg. 55 cm (max. 90 cm) long, dorsal scales strongly keeled, in 21 midbody rows. Body color varies by geographic location. Males usually smaller & lighter, gray w/ more vivid black zig-zag dorsal pattern; females usually larger & darker; usually light-brown w/ dark brown zig-zag dorsal pattern. Juveniles usually red-brown w/ darker dorsal zig-zag pattern.





Habitat
Found in diverse habitats, like rocky or bushy hillsides, open fields, woods, shady areas, moors, swamps, marshes, & bogs. In northern parts of range, found mainly near sea level; to nearly 3,000 m elevation in southern parts of range. Most wide-spread species of viper in the world. Found in suitable habitats throughout most of Europe & Asia; from the Arctic Circle to below 40 degrees North latitude, & from 5 to 145 degrees East longitude.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly diurnal in cold months; nocturnal in warm months. Cold-adapted in northern range, may crawl over melting snow in Spring. Basking behavior is complex. Mainly terrestrial, but climbs low bushes. Generally timid; not aggressive. Tends to freeze when danger present; but easily alarmed & bites if threatened or stepped on. Usually congregates into groups ("colonies") during annual hibernation (in rocky dens) during cold months. Mainly eats available small mammals & birds.
Venom Characteristics
Mainly hemotoxic, w/ neurotoxic factors. Envenomation usually causes sharp pain or severe burning at bite site, followed by swelling & inflammation of lymph system. Victim usually develops nausea, headaches, vomiting, chest pains & labored breathing. Humans are sometimes bitten, and fatalities have been reported, but are not common.





Vipera ursinii
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Pelias ursinii, Vipera ursinii ebneri, V. u. graeca. V. u. macrops, V. u. moldavica, V. u. rakosiensis, V. u. renardi, V. u. ursinii, V. u. wettsteini
Common Names: Orsini’s viper, Steppe viper, meadow viper, field viper, Vipere d'Orsini, Vipers-de-Stepa, Wiesenotter, Ostromunucesta, karst viper, Italian meadow viper, Danubian meadow viper, French meadow viper, Ebner's viper (for a subspecies), Wettstein's viper (for a subspecies)
Description
Smallest true viper found in Europe, adults fairly slender, usually 40-50 cm long (max. 80 cm). Body usually gray, yellowish, greenish, or light brown. Belly light or dark gray, maybe w/ yellow markings or small dark spots. All-black specimens occur. Dorsal (vertebral) pattern usually dark, wavy, zig-zag line w/ black edges, sometimes discontinuous; flanks usually darker than middle of back, 19 midbody dorsal scale rows. Snout rounded, slightly upturned. Females larger than males.




Habitat
Found mainly in dry plains, grasslands, flatlands w/ few trees or bushes, & montane grasslands; more common at higher elevations (i.e., 2,000-3,000 m). Also found on wooded hillsides in mountainous regions. Generally seeks open areas on limestone slopes, near dry clay or loamy soil (found on some sandy islands in the Danube River delta). Often hides in rodent dens & small animal burrows.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly diurnal, but may be nocturnal during hot summer months. More active than most other vipers; can move rapidly. Hibernates in aggregated groups ("colonies") during winter months. Not aggressive; usually avoids humans. Seldom bites, even when bothered, but will bite if continuously molested. Ovoviviparous w/ usually 5-8 young/ litter (18 for one captive-reared female). Eats mainly beetles, grasshoppers, lizards & small rodents.
Venom Characteristics
Mildly hemotoxic. Rarely encountered by people in recent years. Rare cases of known human envenomation by this species have caused mainly local pain & swelling, followed by dizziness & nausea. Recovery is usually relatively rapid. No human fatalities reported, so far.



Vipera xanthina
Identification
Family: Viperidae
Scientific Names: Daboia xanthina, Montiviper xanthina, Vipera bulgardaghica
Common Names: Bornmueller’s viper, Ottoman viper, coastal viper, Kleinasiatische Bergotter, Near-East viper, Berghuggorm, Bergotter
Description
Large, stout-bodied viper, adults usually 70-95 cm long (max. 135 cm). Body yellow, olive, or reddish-brown. Series of dark circular or rectangular spots along each flank. Pattern more vivid in males than females. Belly gray to yellowish, often w/ black or dark grayish mottling. Snout rounded & blunt. Tail slender, short, underside of tip may be yellow.





Habitat
Found in various habitats, including swamps, rocky hillsides, & open grassy areas w/ few bushes or trees. Most often found in areas w/ ample water, moisture, & vegetation. Often found in populated areas in yards, fields, irrigation ditches, & gardens. Found from near sea level to 2,500 m elevation.
Activity and Behavior
Mainly nocturnal, but active in the day during cooler months. Mainly terrestrial, but can climb into small trees & bushes. Lethargic & slow-moving, but can move rapidly & strike quickly. Not aggressive; avoids human confrontation, but easily aggitated, & will defend itself if molested. Ovoviviparous w/ 2-15 young/ litter in captivity. Mainly eats available mice, birds & lizards.
Venom Characteristics
Moderately potent hemotoxin & some neurotoxic factor(s). Envenomation causes sharp pain & local swelling, which may spread. Discoloration, blisters, & pus-filled or fluid-filled vesicles may appear within hours. Other symptoms may include dizziness, weakness, vomiting, & cold sweats.