False cobra
| False Cobra | |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | serpentes |
| Family: | Colubridae |
| Genus: | Rhagerhis |
| Species: | R. moilensis |
| Binomial name | |
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Rhagerhis moilensis (Reuss, 1834) |
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The false cobra (Rhagerhis moilensis) is an opisthoglyphous snake found in parts of Africa and the Middle East. It is the sole species of the genus Rhagerhis. 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.
False Cobra, Hooded Malpolon. In Arabic "الحفاث".
Rhagerhis moilensis is found in North Africa and the Middle East.
When threatened, Rhagerhis moilensis will imitate a cobra's stance by spreading its neck into a hood and hissing like the cobra.
In the wild, it mainly feeds on rodents, fledgling birds, and lizards. Captives accept mice (pre-killed, frozen, and live).
R. moilensis is not commonly found in collections in the United States, possibly due to the highly aggressive nature of some specimens. In the Middle East, they are rarely found in some petshops, as snakes aren't commonly kept as pets. Some specimens can be extremely docile and easy to handle, while others might not tolerate handling and display their above-mentioned defensive posture. The venom may not be deadly, but if the fangs do get hold of bare flesh and venom is injected, the pain can be excruciating; causing swelling and potentially other complications.
In captivity, R. moilensis should be kept at low humidity, and can be fed a mouse (pinkies for smaller specimens) once every 14–20 days. They should be supplied with a clean bowl of water, a hiding place, and a small rock to assist in the shedding process.
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Wikipedia