A non-venemous species and one of the largest of the European snakes,             reaching two metres in length. Its name refers to the markings on the body            of adult snakes. A black line can be seen from the corner of the eye, with the           belly cream to white with darker markings. The species can be found in Italy, the Balkans and mainland Greece. Its behaviour is generally calmer than other          species. They are excellent climbers as seen in the photos from the                       Kalogria area of the north-west Peloponnese.