Spitting Cobra Facts

Spitting cobras from the genus Naja are large snakes native to Africa and Asia that are able to spray a fine jet of venom seven feet. This remarkable ability is used as a defense mechanism against predators and large animals that threaten to tread on the snakes. The African species are regarded as the second most dangerous group of snakes on the continent after the mambas. The cobra's sprayed venom can cause permanent blindness and the bite can be deadly. The venom is harmless if it lands on the skin.

  1. Description

    • The largest species is the large brown spitting cobra (Naja ashei) recently discovered in Kenya which reaches seven feet in length. Other species are only three or four feet long. Like all cobras they can flatten their necks into a hood. Spitting cobras can range in color from pale brown to almost black, with some species reddish and others banded. Many species have black or dark brown markings on the neck and head.

    Range

    • Spitting cobra species are found across Subsaharan Africa and Asia. The large brown spitting cobra (Naja ashei) is found from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. In Asia spitting cobras are widely distributed from Nepal and Southeast Asia to China and the Philippines.

    Habitat

    • Most species live in open areas such as grasslands and savannas, but others are found in deserts and forests. African species favor open habitats. Some Asian species such as the Chinese Cobra (Naja atra) are found in mangroves, and others, such as the Philippine Cobra (Naja philippinensis), are happy in dense jungle. They are sometimes attracted to human habitation where there are a lot of rodents.

    Behaviour

    • Perhaps due to their unique spitting ability these snakes are aggressive when disturbed and can lift up to two thirds of their body vertically off the ground. They spray venom by contracting their jaw muscles and squeezing the poison out of small holes in the fangs, rather like squirting liquid out of a hypodermic syringe. Spitting cobras feed on small mammals, birds, reptiles and even other snakes, killing them by biting and injecting a powerful neurotoxin. Spitting cobras lay eggs and the newborn snakes are fully independent and able to bite. Most species are nocturnal, but young snakes are more active during the day.

    Captivity

    • While king cobras only feed on other snakes and are difficult to keep in captivity, spitting cobras are less fussy about food. Several species are kept as pets and rapidly become accustomed to captivity, often losing the will to spit venom. Extreme precautions including a full face mask are essential when handling them. Many captive cobras have had their venom glands removed surgically. There are albino forms of some species, especially the Indo-Chinese cobra Naja siamensis.