Spitting Cobra

Cobras are venomous snakes, that belong to the family Elapidae and are found in the hot tropical areas in Africa, Australia, and Southern Asia. One of the characteristic features of this snake is the hood, that is spread, when the snake is threatened. Even though, cobras do not have the strongest venom, these snakes are very dangerous, as they can inject large amounts of venom through a single bite. Apart from that, their fangs are around half inch in length and can be inserted deep into the skin of the victim, so that the venom is injected directly to the blood stream. There are various species of cobras and spitting cobra is one among them. Read on to know more about spitting cobra.

Why the Name Spitting Cobra?

This cobra species is named after their ability to spray venom on the predators. This is actually, a defense mechanism displayed by these reptiles. Spitting cobras do not spit but spray venom at the eyes of the predator, at a distance of up to two meters. This venom can cause temporary blindness, which may turn permanent, if left untreated. While such venom sprayed directly on the skin may not cause any harm, some systemic problems may develop, if it enters the body through the eyes. According to recent researches, this spitting behavior exhibited by these snakes is actually an adaptation, that saves these reptiles from getting trampled under animals, like antelopes. Spitting cobra snakes spray venom into the eyes of trampling animals from a safe distance and prevent getting themselves trampled. Now, you know that spitting cobras spray venom at the eyes of the predators and it is a defensive mechanism. Let us take a look at how they accomplish this.

How do Spitting Cobras Spray Venom?

Even though, these snakes are named as spitting cobras, they do not spit, but, spray venom in geometric patterns. This is done with the help of their modified fangs and specialized muscles. The venom is ejected from the venom glands as a result of muscular contractions. The specialized muscles near the venom glands squeeze these glands, forcing the venom out, through the tips of the fangs. As the venom comes out, the snake forcefully expels air from the lungs. This air disperses the venom in the form of aerosol and propels it towards the predator's face and eyes. It has been observed that some of these snakes can spray venom to a distance of around two meters. Spraying venom is a defensive action only, as spitting cobra snakes can also bite and the latter can be fatal too. Though, not as deadly as the venom of king cobra, spitting cobra venom too has neurotoxic and hemotoxic effects. When sprayed on the eyes of the predator, the venom has to be washed out at the earliest to avoid blindness.

Types of Spitting Cobras

There are many species of spitting cobra and the most common among them are Naja nigricollis, Naja siamensis, Naja pallida, Naja nubiae, Naja mossambica and Naja ashei. These spitting cobras vary in size, color and pattern. While banded spitting cobra (Naja nigricollis nigricincta) has contrasting bands, the ringhal spitting cobras and Mozambique spitting cobras are the smallest. Others include black spitting cobras, black necked cobras, etc. Where do spitting cobras live? is one of the common queries about these snakes. Around six species of spitting cobra snakes habitat are found in Africa, but, some species live in some parts of Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. These snakes feed on small rodents, frogs and lizards and their lifespan in the wild is around 20 years. They lay eggs beneath logs, termite nests and abandoned burrows and even the bite of baby spitting cobras can be dangerous.

I hope you enjoyed reading some amazing and interesting spitting cobra information given above. They are amazing snakes with venom spraying ability. In case of spitting cobra bite, wash the area and seek immediate medical attention. So stay away from them. If you have to handle these snakes, use necessary protective gear, like face mask and glasses.