Adults average 20–35 cm (8–14 in) in total length (body + tail), with a maximum total length of 50 cm (1.6 ft).

[5] Small and stout, it has a broad, triangular head with small eyes set well forward and situated on the junction of the side and the top of the head.

Active hunting is predominantly used in the months right before hibernation to increase energy intake before the long dormant period.

[9] In arid North Africa, it is found in Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Tunisia, Libya, Niger, Chad, Sudan, and Egypt.

[2][4] In the Sinai Peninsula, it is found in Egypt,[10] and Israel.