FAUNA and FUNGHI of MALTA (www.MaltaFauna.com) Hemorrhois algirus  Jan. (1863) Main synonym = Zamenis florulentus    Haiman, 1882 Taxonomical Classification:  Animalia / Chordata / Reptilia / Squamata / Colubridae Algerian Whip Snake     Serp l-aħdar Further Information: This snake is native to North Africa (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Egypt) and the presence in Malta is strongly believed to be introduced many years ago and become naturalised. Malta is the only European station for this species. It is found in sub-urban areas close to buildings, especially ruins, bastions, open parks and large gardens. It is often seen at the Grand harbour in Valletta where it is tgought that the main population exists. It preys on other small lizards namely the Maltese Wall Lizard and Gecko, but also on mice. It is easily identified from other snakes in Malta in being beige (with a hit of green) with contrasting black, transversal, short, black bars along its length. It is mildly poisonous to man, leaving only a local effect around the bitten area or close lymph nodes. The toxin is however effective on the much smaller prey described above. It\'s toxicity may be serious to pets such as cats or small dogs. Two subspecies have been further described: Hemorrhois algirus algirus (JAN 1863) and Hemorrhois algirus intermedius WERNER 1929. Search for Hemorrhois algirus  in the following online resources: Search on Google Google Scholar More info on Wikipedia Global Biodiversity NCBI Database Watch on YouTube Other Links and info Funghi & Fauna Main Page Wild Plants Main Index Close This Window Image Code: HEMO-ALG (required to buy images in this page) This website needs financial support through sponsors or advertisment - check here . All material and data on this webpage (www.MaltaWildPlants.com) is under the copyright of Stephen Mifsud (2002-2018) This environment and biodiversity awareness website about the flora and fauna of Malta is sponsored by: