Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello!
I have an odd question. I have been trying to find out a species of snake and have been having no luck whatsoever. So here I come to ask!

I am looking for a species of water-snake from the North Africa area which has markings similar to this old Egyptian illustration of Apep, the snake god:
http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/apep2.jpg

He is usually depicted with these same markings, black head (with a white jaw), stripes/diamonds going part way down his back (but not full rings), small black spots on his side.

My question is thus: Do you know of any species of water snake from this region that looks anything like this? Or alternatively, ANY species of water snake from Egypt?

Thank you for your time!
Muchly appreciated,
~ Kenket

>>Hello!
>>I have an odd question. I have been trying to find out a species of snake and have been having no luck whatsoever. So here I come to ask!
>>
>>I am looking for a species of water-snake from the North Africa area which has markings similar to this old Egyptian illustration of Apep, the snake god:
>>http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/apep2.jpg
>>
>>He is usually depicted with these same markings, black head (with a white jaw), stripes/diamonds going part way down his back (but not full rings), small black spots on his side.
>>
>>My question is thus: Do you know of any species of water snake from this region that looks anything like this? Or alternatively, ANY species of water snake from Egypt?
>>
>>Thank you for your time!
>>Muchly appreciated,
>>~ Kenket
-----
Chris Harrison

>>>>Hello!
>>>>I have an odd question. I have been trying to find out a species of snake and have been having no luck whatsoever. So here I come to ask!
>>>>
>>>>I am looking for a species of water-snake from the North Africa area which has markings similar to this old Egyptian illustration of Apep, the snake god:
>>>>http://www.touregypt.net/featurestories/apep2.jpg
>>>>
>>>>He is usually depicted with these same markings, black head (with a white jaw), stripes/diamonds going part way down his back (but not full rings), small black spots on his side.
>>>>
>>>>My question is thus: Do you know of any species of water snake from this region that looks anything like this? Or alternatively, ANY species of water snake from Egypt?
>>>>
>>>>Thank you for your time!
>>>>Muchly appreciated,
>>>>~ Kenket
>>-----
>>Chris Harrison
-----
WW Home

I was wondering why they were looking for a north american snake that looked like a snake from Egyptian art? DOH!
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Chris Harrison

The only water snake I could find for the region is Natrix maura which does not match your description. Others that might come closer are Coluber Hippocrepis or Coluber girondica, which are racers but are variable.

The most likely scenaro is that in the representation the ancient Egyptian artist used broad liberties in interpreting his subject.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."