The barred grass snake, Natrix helvetica, is now recognised as a species in its own right distinct from the common or eastern grass snake (Natrix natrix). Along the body are dark bands that are much more pronounced than they are in the common grass snake. “We discovered that the barred grass snake, previously considered a subspecies, is in fact a distinct species. “The barred grass snake is widely distributed throughout Great Britain, Switzerland, Italy and France, and also occurs in the western part of Germany. The scientists found evidence of reproductive barriers that indicated the barred grass snake was a separate species.

Source: The Guardian August 07, 2017 19:07 UTC