Cobras are venomous snakes of family Elapidae, of several genera. They generally inhabit tropical and desert regions of Asia and Africa. Cobras kill their prey, usually small rodents and birds, by injecting a neurotoxin through their hollow fangs. The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) notably eats other snakes; its scientific name is derived from the Greek ophis (a snake) and phagein (to eat); it feeds almost entirely on other snakes, even venomous ones (ophiophagy). The spitting cobra can also incapacitate larger would-be predators by delivering irritating venom to their eyes.
The cobra's most recognizable feature is its hood, a flap of skin and muscle behind the head which it can flare, perhaps for the purpose of making it appear bigger and more threatening to predators. The hoods of some species carry markings which may also serve to confuse enemies. The cobra's predators include the mongoose and possibly some raptors.
Cobra species
- Black-Necked Cobra ("Spitting" Cobra), Naja nigricollis nigricollis
- Cape Cobra, Naja nivea
- Egyptian Cobra , Naja haje
- Eastern Water Cobra, Boulengerina annulata stormsi
- Gold's Tree Cobra, Psuedohaje goldii
- King Cobra, Ophiophagus hannah
- Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Naja mossabica pallida
- Monocled Cobra, Naja naja kaouthia
- Shield-Nosed Cobra, Aspidelaps lubricus lubricus
External links
Last updated: 08-03-2005 02:40:47
