These areas within South Africa within the Karoo are known for low predictable rainfall and little vegetation, mostly shrubs and scrubs.

The head relative to the body is very short, making it very easy to distinguish it from the neck and rest of the snake.

It preys specifically on lizards, but has also been known to hunt other vertebrates such as legless skinks, small rodents, and sometimes other snakes.

In captivity, it is known to eat some types of fish, mice, small rats, and also chicken legs, which are preferred by the juveniles.

A study analyzing the venom suggests a composition similar to other elapids such as species of the genus Naja (known as true cobras).

Previous studies have shown that in rats, this snake's venom caused neurological symptoms, which escalated into respiratory failure and eventually death.

[10] Recently, a 44-year-old man was bitten twice by this species, which was kept in captivity, one hour after the bite he developed vomiting, respiratory failure (requiring mechanical ventilation), paralysis of the bulbar muscles and upper limbs, with retention of the voluntary motor control in the lower limbs.

[11] No antivenom or established clinical management protocol is currently available for this species and timely access to assisted ventilation is limited in many regions in southern Africa.