Common name: Eastern Montpellier Snake
Scientific name: Malpolon insignitus
Family: Psammophiidae

Size:
Total length: 120–200 cm

Identification:
A large, slender snake with a long tail and a distinctive elongated head. One of its key features is the prominent “eyebrow” ridge above the eyes, giving it an intense expression. Coloration varies from olive-grey to brown or greenish, often with a lighter underside. Juveniles may show more distinct patterns or markings that fade with age. Scales are smooth, contributing to its streamlined appearance.

Habitat:
Dry and semi-arid environments including rocky hillsides, scrublands, open woodlands, and agricultural areas. Frequently found in Mediterranean habitats with a mix of vegetation and open ground.

Status in Lebanon:
Native and locally common. Widely distributed in suitable habitats, especially in warmer and drier regions.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds on lizards, small mammals, birds, and occasionally other snakes.

Behavior:
Diurnal and fast-moving. An active hunter that relies on speed and vision to capture prey. Mildly venomous (rear-fanged), but not considered dangerous to humans under normal circumstances. When threatened, it may raise the front of its body and appear defensive.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)