The bastard snake is the largest in the Peninsula and Europe. It can reach 240 cm, although the females are smaller. Its head is elongated and has a pointed snout. The scales over the eyes are prominent, and the dorsal scales are pointed with a small longitudinal groove in the centre. Its tail is long and thin. The color of the adults varies between light grey, brown or olive green. In adult males and older specimens, the anterior area of the body takes on a dark grey colouring known as “saddle”. The belly is usually yellowish or whitish. It likes the heat and occupies mainly the Mediterranean area, but on the plateau it can be seen at an altitude of up to 1,500 metres. In the Iberian Peninsula it is only found on the Cantabrian coast and in the valleys of the Pyrenees. It occupies mainly the sunny environments, the open areas or scrub or forest, rural areas, crops… It is of day customs and moves at high speed. Copulation takes place in April or May, and will result in a variable number of eggs that will ultimately depend on the size of the female. The eggs hatch in August or September. In October and until March the hibernating bastard snake. Its prey are insects: little lizards, lizards and other snakes, as well as rodents and other small mammals and chicks of small birds. She is aggressive and if disturbed she will stand up like a cobra and notice her anger with a penetrating hiss. Its venom, which has local effects, is inoculated by posterior fangs that only bite when its prey is already well inside its mouth, so its bite, although it can be painful, is not dangerous for humans.