Malpolon moilensis (Desert false cobra)

[Louis Jacobsz]

Here's something very interesting for the back-fanged lovers !

These are very rare in South Africa collections and it's a pity, as they are amazing snakes to work with.

Malpolon sp. are rear-fanged desert snakes that occur in Northern Africa through to Spain and France (If my memory serves me well). They are fast moving, active snakes that can tolerate high temperatures. Some (most) are highly aggressive and will not hesitate to bite. They get their common name from their ability to spread a hood in defence, just like a cobra.

If you want to know more about these feel free to ask.

ENJOY...:blink:

http://www.ljafricancaptivebreds.co.za/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/molpolon_and_dhara_026_28768_x_51229.jpg

http://www.ljafricancaptivebreds.co.za/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/molpolon_and_dhara_006_28768_x_51229.jpg

http://www.ljafricancaptivebreds.co.za/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/molpolon_and_dhara_003_28768_x_51229.jpg

http://www.ljafricancaptivebreds.co.za/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/molpolon_and_dhara_001_28768_x_51229.jpg

Regards
Louis.

[snake man12]

Do you have a pic of one with its hood. That would be awesome

[marvelfreak]

Sweet! I love the second picture.

[CK SandBoas]

That first picture is truly spectacular! What an amazing looking snake!

[Roadtrash]

Love the first picture! How long do these get? How is the venom compared to the hog nosed snake?

[Louis Jacobsz]

Thanks and sorry for the late reply guys !

Here are some pics of them kind of hooded up (They've calmed down a lot so getting them to spread a hood is pretty hard haha...)...

http://www.ljafricancaptivebreds.co.za/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/malpolon_hood_010_28768_x_51229.jpg

http://www.ljafricancaptivebreds.co.za/cpg/albums/userpics/10001/malpolon_hood_011_28768_x_51229.jpg

This species will probably reach about 1-1.2m but are usually smaller. Other species will easily grow to 1.5m plus.
Their venom is definitely worse than the hognose snake's. A friend of mine got nipped on his thumb by a small one (20cm or so) while unpacking and his hand ballooned ! So I now keep my fingers well away from them haha...:)

Regards
Louis.

[snake man12]

Nice thanks for the pics. Are they common in South Africa?

[Louis Jacobsz]

Any time man ! There are currently 4 that I know of here in South Africa haha...Are they common in the US ?

[snake man12]

Nope I have never seen one.

[jaleely]

oh my goodness...lol i'd so get bit!
I hadn't seen one before. Kind of look like a rat snake, or garter. Such big eyes! Very nice color...and i love that hood!

[Trent]

very cool!!

[Louis Jacobsz]

Thanks guys...It's such a pity that we don't see them around more often. They are ideal for someone that's into having something diferent and interesting.

Regards.

[Roadtrash]

Are they fairly common in the wild? I've never seen one but they are great looking snakes.

[Louis Jacobsz]

They are very common in the wild but for some strange reason they aren't well know in the trade ?

[shaunyboy]

thats a good looking snake,i really like the scalation on the head

how potent is their venom ?

cheers shaun

[SWDK]

Is this the same snake as the False Water Cobra or aka Brazilian Smooth Snake?

[SWDK]

Is this the same snake as the False Water Cobra or aka Brazilian Smooth Snake?

Nevermind...I looked up the latin name and figured it out. I'm a bone head sometimes.