Different shades of snake: Peculiar coloration in an urban population of the Grass Snake, Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

Although color variation in Natrix species is relatively well documented, information on a local scale can still be considered lacking. Here we report on melanistic Natrix natrix individuals in an urban population from Belgrade, along with the occurrence of other interesting color morphs simultaneously. The reasons behind the occurrence of such peculiar coloration are also discussed. At the same time, this is the first documented occurrence of melanism in N. natrix in Serbia.