Answer:
"Ringelnatter" is a German equivalent of "water snake" (Natrix natrix).
The European grass, ringed or water snake requires temperatures no lower than a range of 70 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit (21 - 28 degrees Celsius) in order to mate. The first month in which that range is seen tends to be April. Males appear above ground about two weeks beforehand. They do so to bask in the sun and thereby to raise body temperature, metabolism and sperm production. The young snakes will be no more than 7 inches (18 centimeters) long.
