Editing Smooth snake (section)

==Description==
[[File:Smooth Snake, Cheile Turzii, Cluj, RO imported from iNaturalist photo 50533718.jpg|left|thumb|Eating a [[grass snake]]]]
Both sexes of ''C. austriaca'' grow to an average total length (including tail) of about {{convert|60|cm|in|abbr=on}} to {{convert|75|cm|in|abbr=on}}. Two specimens measuring {{convert|83|cm|in|abbr=on}} have been recorded in Sweden, as well as one in Russia that was {{convert|92|cm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Str79"/>

The head has a [[rostral scale]] that is at least as deep as it is wide, creating a triangular indentation between the [[internasal scales]] (rarely separating them). The top of the head is covered with nine large plates. The [[nasal scale]] is often divided. There is one (rarely two) [[preoculars]] and two [[postoculars]]. The [[Temporal scales|temporals]] number 2+2 or 2+3 (rarely 1+2) . There are seven (rarely eight) [[upper labials]], of which the third and fourth or fourth and fifth border the eye.<ref name="Str79"/>

In the middle part of the body there are 19 (rarely 17 or 21) rows of [[dorsal scales]]. In contrast with many other snakes found in the region, these scales are flat (not keeled).  This gives the snake a smooth texture to the touch, from which it gets its common name.  The [[ventral scales]] number 150-164 in males and 162–200 in females. The [[anal scale]] is divided (rarely single) and the [[subcaudal scales]] are paired. Males have 54–70 subcaudal scales and females 40–76.<ref name="Str79"/>

The colour pattern consists of a brown, grey or reddish ground colour<ref name="Ste71">Steward JW (1971). ''The Snakes of Europe''. Cranbury, New Jersey: Associated University Press (Fairleigh Dickinson University Press). 238 pp. LCCCN 77-163307. {{ISBN|0-8386-1023-4}}.</ref> with two rows of small, rather indistinct dark spots running down the back towards the tail. In some cases, each pair of spots may be united toward the neck area, forming a series of cross-bars over the back. There is also a very indistinct series of dark spots running along each of the flanks. These four series of spots along the body overlay four parallel, rather shadowy stripes that also run down the back and flanks.<ref name="Str79"/>

On the top of the head is a dark marking which is often in the shape of a crown, giving rise to the [[Genus|generic]] name ''Coronella'' (which means [[coronet]]). A relatively thick dark stripe extends from each nostril, through the eye, and along the side of the head to a little beyond the neck. The upper labials are whitish, greyish-white or light brown, sometimes with darker spots. The tongue is reddish brown or dark red.<ref name="Str79"/>