Coronella austriaca, commonly known as the smooth snake, is a non-venomous reptile found in Europe. It prefers heathlands and open woodlands. The smooth snake has a slender body, smooth scales, and typically a grey or brown coloration with darker markings. It is known for its secretive nature and diet primarily consisting of lizards and small mammals.

Coronella austriaca, commonly known as the smooth snake, is native to Europe. Its geographical distribution includes parts of western and central Europe, extending from southern Scandinavia to northern Italy, and from the United Kingdom across to the eastern borders of Europe. It is also found in parts of the Caucasus and western Asia.

The smooth snake typically inhabits dry, open areas with plenty of cover such as heathlands, grasslands, and forest edges. It prefers environments with sandy soils and sparse vegetation, which provide suitable conditions for thermoregulation and hunting. The climate in these regions is generally temperate, with a preference for areas that have a mix of sunny and shaded patches.

Coronella austriaca is a non-venomous constrictor that primarily feeds on small reptiles, such as lizards, and occasionally small mammals and birds. It plays a role in controlling the populations of these prey species. The smooth snake is a secretive, ground-dwelling species that relies on camouflage and its environment for protection against predators.