Common name: Moila Snake (False Cobra)
Scientific name: Malpolon moilensis
Family: Psammophiidae

Size:
Total length: 80–140 cm

Identification:
A medium-sized, slender snake with a relatively long body and tail. Coloration is typically sandy beige to light brown, well adapted to desert environments. The head is slightly elongated with large eyes and round pupils. When threatened, it can flatten its neck and raise the front of its body, giving a cobra-like appearance, which is why it is often called the “false cobra.”

Habitat:
Arid and semi-arid environments including sandy deserts, gravel plains, and dry open landscapes.

Status in the UAE:
Native and locally present. Found in desert habitats across the country.

Diet:
Carnivorous — feeds on lizards, small rodents, and other small vertebrates.

Behavior:
Diurnal and active. A fast-moving hunter that relies on vision and speed. When threatened, it may display defensive behavior by spreading its neck and hissing. Mildly venomous but not considered dangerous to humans under normal circumstances.

Conservation status:
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)