Green whip snake (Hierophis viridiflavus) Also known as Coluber viriflavus and il Biacco, in Italian. Frequently found in Italy and elsewhere in the mediterranean region. It inhabits ts natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, arable land, pastureland, plantations, rural gardens, and urban areas. These snakes mainly feed on lizards, skinks, frogs, mice, as well as on the young and eggs of small birds. This species lays four to 15 eggs. They are very lively and when cornered, may bite furiously...a prolongued bite can be painful to humans. They hibernate in winter. Podere Montecucco. Orvieto, Umbria, Italy.