Scitalis, Rochester Bestiary, c.1230

The Scitalis is a serpent which is said to have such brightly coloured markings on its back, that all other creatures, stunned by its appearance, slow down and are caught.

The Scitalis is so hot, that even in winter it will shed its skin and expose its glowing body.

Transcription

Translation

Scitalis est serpens tanta prefulget tergi varie-
tate; ut notarum gracia aspicientes se; re-
tardet. Et quia reptando pigrior est. quos assequi
non valet gressu; miraculo optupentes se et
aspicientes capit. Tanti autem fervoris est. ut dici-
tur. ut etiam hiemis tempore exuvias corporis
ferventes exponat. De quo lucanus. Et scitalis pres-
sis etiam nunc sola pruinis. exuvias positura
suas;

Scitalis are serpents so brilliant that the variety of their back shines; so that, looking at himself with the grace of the marks, he slows down. And because he is slower in crawling, he is not able to reach them by walking; He catches himself admiring himself and looking at the miracle. But it is of such a fervor, as it is said, that even in the winter time it exposes the body's exudate to be boiling. Of which Lucanus And under the pressure of the frost even now alone, he will put his clothes on.