Species Detail
Desert Cobra
Snakes

Desert Cobra

Walterinnesia aegyptia

Habitat

Desert and rocky scrub

Range

Middle East

Adult Size

3.3 ft (1 m)

Diet

Lizards and mice

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Conservation status:Least Concern

About this species

A specialized burrowing cobra that lacks a hood. It is rarely seen as it stays underground during the heat of the day.

Enrichment & behavioral stimulation

Desert Cobra is primarily ground-dwelling — enrichment centers on hides, burrowable substrate, and scent-based foraging.

  • Provide at least two snug hides (warm and cool) plus a humid hide to reduce stress and aid shedding.
  • Use aspen or a safe soil mix deep enough to allow burrowing and self-regulation.
  • Warm prey and drag it along decor to create scent trails for tracking.
  • Add fake plants and cork pieces so movement feels secure rather than exposed.
  • Provide a sturdy water dish large enough for soaking.
  • Offer low sturdy branches only if the species is known to climb opportunistically.

Housing & Social Behavior

Solitary

A strictly solitary species; keeping them together often results in fatal fighting or cannibalism.

Housing guidance is general and based on species-typical behavior; always verify against current husbandry references and observe individual temperament.