About Eirenis modestus Martin, 1838
The ring-headed dwarf snake, scientifically named Eirenis modestus Martin, 1838, is a pencil-thin species that reaches a maximum length of 60 cm (24 in), with most adults being considerably smaller. It has smooth skin, and the edges of its scales are slightly darker than the scale centres. The upper surface of its body is a uniform yellowish-brown, greyish-brown, or reddish-brown, while its underparts are glossy white. The top of its head bears a large black blotch, which contains either two whitish spots or a pale W-shaped mark. Around its neck is a crescent-shaped band of dark blotches, separated from the head by a pale band. This species is native to the Greek Mediterranean islands of Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Fournoi, Kasos, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Leros, Symi, and Megisti, as well as most of Turkey. Its range extends east into the Caucasus Mountains, eastern Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Its natural habitats include dry shrubby vegetation, cultivated fields, fallow areas, and dry open woodland.
