FALSE COBRA

Description:

The false cobra (Malpolon moilensis) is an opisthoglyphous snake found in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The name "False Cobra" comes from the fact that this is not a cobra. It imitates a cobra's stance by spreading its neck into a hood and hissing like the cobra. It can grow up to 1.5 metres in length and preys on rodents and lizards. Adults are usually 0.80 - 1.40 m in length, but some specimens have reached about 1.9 m. They have big round eyes, reddish in colour. One distinctive feature that the snake has is a black blotch which runs from the cheek to the angle of the jaw. It generally has a straw coloured background checkered with brownish spots running along the body. The belly surface is usually creme.

Habitat:

Malpolon moilensis is found in North Africa and the Middle East.

Notes:

Camera: Nikon D300