Daniel Heuclin / Aesculapian snake (Elaphe longissima) coiled in branch of apple tree, with fruit hanging below, Poitou France, Europe. Controlled conditions.

Fabio Pupin / European ratsnake, (Zamenis situla), resting on tree trunk, Croatia, April . Non-ex.

Fabio Pupin / European ratsnake, (Zamenis situla), resting on tree trunk, Croatia, April . Non-ex.

Fabio Pupin / Southern smooth snake, (Coronella girondica), Italy, July . Non-ex.

David Pattyn / Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus), Kresna gorge, South West Bulgaria, April

Robin Chittenden / Oriental rat snake (Ptyas mucosa) swimming, Sri Lanka.

Robin Chittenden / Oriental rat snake (Ptyas mucosa), ready to strike, Sri Lanka.

Robin Chittenden / Oriental rat snake (Ptyas mucosa) in water, Sri Lanka.

Ingo Arndt / Aesculapian snake {Elaphe longissima} Germany

Ingo Arndt / Aesculapian snake {Elaphe longissima} Germany

Ingo Arndt / Shed skin of Aesculapian snake {Elaphe longissima} Germany

Robin Chittenden / Oriental Rat snake (Ptyas mucosa) swimming, Goa India