Italy is home to several species of snake. The most common serpents in Italy are non-venomous Colubrids of which there are 16 separate species. While these species are numerous they are not poisonous and pose no threat to human health. Several far more dangerous species of viper do. Asp vipers, nose-horned, European adder and field adders are all found throughout Italy. The asp is solid black in color and reaches lengths of up to 3 feet. The other of Italy’s vipers are camouflaged with patterns and stripes to match their surroundings.
Snakes are openly visible in the fields and paths of Tuscany and Umbria. Hikers and those working in the olive groves and high grass of central Italy can routinely see non-poisonous species sunning themselves, and hear the grass shift as they scurry away from oncoming humans. In the rocky and hilly regions you are also likely to find one of the vipers which reside in the desert-like environment. Italy’s snakes are for the most part non-confrontational and will get out of the way rather than attack. A good number of bites do occur however as people reach into spaces covered by vegetation or inadvertently step too close to a hard-to-see snake.
Scorpions are even more common on the Italian mainland than serpents. There are many species which populate the country form north to south. Scorpions live in the mountainous forests of the north, the plains of the center, the dry hot south and the rocky coasts of Italy. While all scorpions are poisonous it is a general rule that those with small tails and large claws are less poisonous than those with large tails and small claws. It seems the business end demonstrates its seriousness through size.
Scorpions are found in dry wood piles, under stones and bricks and anywhere there is a dark and undisturbed place that they can fit into. It is not unusual to see a scorpion in your home or garden in Italy and every precaution should be taken to avoid them and their dangerous sting.
Italy is also host to a great variety of spiders. Only a few are poisonous but those should be treated with caution. The black widow is present in the Italian wilderness as is the tarantula and the xX. While you are unlikely to find these spiders inside your home they are less than rare outside the major cities.
The giant centipede is also an inhabitant of central and southern Italy. Bright red and orange in color this venomous insect is easy to spot in the open but blends in surprisingly well with stones, bricks and the flowering plants of your garden. Make sure to always inspect the weeds and grass and put on some heavy work gloves before reaching in. National Center for Biotechnology Information: Venomous Snake Bites in Italy
Understanding Italy: Snakes
Animal Danger: Europe
NTNU: Scorpion Files
Iberian Nature: Spiders
