Spalerosophis diadema (Schlegel, 1837).

Length up to 1540 mm. A large handsome snake with an elongated and a slightly triangular head, a rounded snout, and eyes that are rather large with round pupils. The body is cylindrical and long; its build is moderate to rather slender; the long tail is approximately one-fifth of its total length. The color is pinkish-grey with regular brown blotches. The Diademed Snake lives in a wide variety of habitats ranging from oases and human settlements to arid rocky wadis and the margins of cultivation. It is nocturnal and feeds on lizards, birds, and small mammals, particularly rats and mice, which consume agricultural products and grain. Thus, this harmless, non-poisonous snake is very beneficial to man. Two clutches of eggs are laid, each with 3-16 eggs; the incubation takes 59-61 days. This snake is found in Egypt; in the Western and Eastern Deserts, the Nile Valley and Delta, and Sinai. Its world distribution covers North Africa, the Middle East, and Iran. Throughout its range, it is fairly common and widespread.