The Cyprus Black Whip Snake

The agriculture gardener

The Cyprus Black Whip Snake, Coluber Cypriensis. Is known by many different names οn the Island.

In the area of Pafos it is mostly known as “Ofis” which is simply the ancient Greek word for snake. In the eastern part of the island is known as “Therkon”, meaning monster as it is the largest snake in Cyprus growing up to 3 meters.

I can´t even imagine what we would call a python if we had any on the island.

However, the most characteristic name of this non-venomous snake is “pervolaris”, meaning agriculture gardener.  The snake gained this name because of its cooperation with fruit and vegetable gardeners. As soon as they spot it in their area they provide it with food and water in order to keep it there. The snake in return provides health and safety services by eating rats and killing other venomous snakes.

So, when you spot one please don’t kill it. Admire it from a safe distance without bothering it.  When it gets angry it has the reputation of whipping really hard with its muscular tale.

In the following video we see a scene that many people think that the snakes are mating. Actually, this is not the case. The mating dance is much more gentle. Here we see two males fighting for dominance of the area and the female