False cobra: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Species of snake}} |
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{{More citations needed|date=January 2020}} |
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{{speciesbox |
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| name = False cobra |
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|image_caption=In captivity |
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|status = LC |
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|status_system = IUCN3.1 |
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|status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{cite iucn |author1=Wagner, P. |author2=Wilms, T. |author3=Aloufi, A.A.H. |author4=Al Johany, A.M.H. |author5=Anderson, S. |author6=Baha El Din, S. |author7=Pleguezuelos, J. |author8=Disi, A.M. |author9=Böhme, W. |author10=Mateo, J.A. |author11=Papenfuss, T. |author12=Spawls, S. |date=2021 |title=''Rhagerhis moilensis'' |page=e.T164566A1058442 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T164566A1058442.en |access-date=21 February 2022}}</ref> |
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|genus=Malpolon |
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| synonyms = |
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|species=moilensis |
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|synonyms=*''Coluber moilensis'' |
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*''Coelopeltis producta'' |
*''Coelopeltis producta'' |
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*''Rhagerrhis moilensis'' |
*''Rhagerrhis moilensis'' |
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*''Rhagerrhis producta'' |
*''Rhagerrhis producta'' |
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*''Coelopeltis moilensis'' |
*''Coelopeltis moilensis'' |
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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 |
The '''false cobra''' (''Malpolon moilensis''), or '''hooded malpolon''', is an opisthoglyphous [[snake]] found in parts of [[Africa]] and the [[Middle East]]. The name "false cobra" comes from the fact that while it is not a [[cobra]], it [[mimicry|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]], while it itself falls prey to the [[Great grey shrike]]. |
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==Description== |
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It generally has a straw coloured background checkered with brownish spots running along the body. The belly surface is usually creme. |
It generally has a straw coloured background checkered with brownish spots running along the body. The belly surface is usually creme. |
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== Common names == |
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False cobra, hooded malpolon. In Arabic "الحفاث". |
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''Malpolon moilensis'' is found in [[North Africa]] and the [[Middle East]]. |
''Malpolon moilensis'' is found in [[North Africa]] and the [[Middle East]]. |
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==Behavior== |
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When threatened, ''Malpolon moilensis'' will imitate a [[cobra]]'s stance by spreading its neck into a hood and hissing like the cobra. |
When threatened, ''Malpolon moilensis'' will imitate a [[cobra]]'s stance by spreading its neck into a hood and hissing like the cobra. |
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==Feeding== |
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== Captivity == |
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| ⚫ | ''M. 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 |
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==Captivity== |
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| ⚫ | ''M. 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 are not 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. |
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==Care== |
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In captivity, ''M. 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 [[Moult|shedding]] process. |
In captivity, ''M. 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 [[Moult|shedding]] process. |
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==Shedding== |
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| ⚫ | ''M. moilensis'' will [[snakeskin#shed skin|shed]] once every 30–50 days. Like other snakes, the process will take about 7–10 days. On the first two days, the eyes will become bluish in color and the skin will become pale. A week later, the snake will shed its skin. During the whole period, you should avoid handling the snake or feeding it.<ref>Snakes of Arabia by Damien Egan</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.alsirhan.com/Animals/malpolon_moilensis.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031012210954/http://alsirhan.com/Animals/malpolon_moilensis.htm |archive-date=2003-10-12 |title=Malpolon moilensis}}</ref> |
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==Postage stamps== |
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| ⚫ | ''M. moilensis'' will [[shed]] once every 30–50 days. Like other snakes, the process will take about 7–10 days. On the first two days, the eyes will become bluish in color and the skin will become pale. A week later, the snake will shed its skin. During the whole period, you should avoid handling the snake or feeding it.<ref> |
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In 2024 [[Office_national_des_postes_du_Mali | La poste du Mali]] issued a series of [[Postage stamp|stamps]] with reptiles. False cobra appeared on one of them. <ref> [https://findyourstampsvalue.com/news/reptiles-on-stamps-2024 "Reptiles on Stamps 2024"]. FYSV Stamp News, July 25, 2024.</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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{{Reflist}}<!--added above categories/infobox footers by script-assisted edit--> |
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{{Taxonbar|from=Q1541192}} |
{{Taxonbar|from=Q1541192}} |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Psammophiidae]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Snakes of Asia]] |
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[[Category:Reptiles described in 1834]] |
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1834]] |
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[[Category:Taxobox binomials not recognized by IUCN]] <!-- Malpolon moilensis --> |
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Latest revision as of 12:29, 6 August 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (January 2020) |
| False cobra | |
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| In captivity | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Psammophiidae |
| Genus: | Malpolon |
| Species: | M. moilensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Malpolon moilensis (Reuss, 1834)
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| Synonyms | |
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The false cobra (Malpolon moilensis), or hooded malpolon, is an opisthoglyphous snake found in parts of Africa and the Middle East. The name "false cobra" comes from the fact that while it 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, while it itself falls prey to the Great grey shrike.
Description
[edit]Adults are usually 0.8 – 1.4 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.
Geographical range
[edit]Malpolon moilensis is found in North Africa and the Middle East.
Behavior
[edit]When threatened, Malpolon moilensis will imitate a cobra's stance by spreading its neck into a hood and hissing like the cobra.
Feeding
[edit]In the wild, it mainly feeds on rodents, fledgling birds, and lizards. Captives accept mice (pre-killed, frozen, and live)
Captivity
[edit]M. 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 are not 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.
Care
[edit]In captivity, M. 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.
Shedding
[edit]M. moilensis will shed once every 30–50 days. Like other snakes, the process will take about 7–10 days. On the first two days, the eyes will become bluish in color and the skin will become pale. A week later, the snake will shed its skin. During the whole period, you should avoid handling the snake or feeding it.[2][3]
Postage stamps
[edit]In 2024 La poste du Mali issued a series of stamps with reptiles. False cobra appeared on one of them. [4]
References
[edit]- ^ Wagner, P.; Wilms, T.; Aloufi, A.A.H.; Al Johany, A.M.H.; Anderson, S.; Baha El Din, S.; Pleguezuelos, J.; Disi, A.M.; Böhme, W.; Mateo, J.A.; Papenfuss, T.; Spawls, S. (2021). "Rhagerhis moilensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T164566A1058442. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-1.RLTS.T164566A1058442.en. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
- ^ Snakes of Arabia by Damien Egan
- ^ "Malpolon moilensis". Archived from the original on 2003-10-12.
- ^ "Reptiles on Stamps 2024". FYSV Stamp News, July 25, 2024.