Black Desert Cobra

Walterinnesia aegyptia is a species of venomous elapid snake, also known as the Desert Black Snake or Desert Cobra.

Geographic Locale

• Native to arid and scrubland habitats of the Middle East. Walterinnesia aegyptia is found in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, northwestern Saudi Arabia and probably Syria.

Appearance

• A solid, glossy black snake with a medium build.
• Adult are usually between 3 and 4 feet in length. The head is rounded and barely set off from the neck. This snake appears to rarely display the typical “hooding” cobra defence mechanism.
• Distinguished by its smooth scales and solid, glossy black, polished appearance.

Behaviour

• Consumes anything from birds and rodents to lizards, other snakes and eggs. Finds prey mostly by smelling. Like most cobras it will make use of almost all habitats and is attracted to areas occupied by humans due to shelter and rodent possibilities.
• This is a fast-moving, alert snake. Although cobras will not seek out confrontation, if cornered or harassed, they will not hesitate to bite and inject venom.
• When confronted, this species is likely to bite without hooding and from either a coiled or relaxed posture. The strike may occur very quickly and from any direction.

 Bite & Venom

• Venom is predominantly neurotoxic, but possess hemorrhagic and hepatotoxic activity.