Caspian Sea snake?

I have had large quantities of this species of snake come
up on to our Barge.

We are in the Southern Caspian sea and I have been told
that it is Malpolon monspessulanus but we are 2KM
offshore and these Snake are frequent visitors.

If anyone can ID this species that would be great.

Thanks,

Mark




Edited by M.A.

Hello Mark

I would have said that was right, but two things threw me off a little bit,
the 2km offshore, Malpolon monspessulanus as far as I know aren't
strong swimmers, but are occasionally seen in water.

And the heavily keeled scales (the ridge running down the centre of the
scale). So having said that I would say its more likely a Natrix tessellata,
Dice snake, who are very aquatic and have much heavier keeled scales
than Malpolon monspessulanus.
Hopefully someone can clarify this, as you can probably tell I'm not 100%
sure.

James

yes you are right, Dice snake