Snouted cobra

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Naja annulifera
)

Snouted cobra

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Naja
Subgenus:
Uraeus
Species:
N. annulifera
Binomial name
Naja annulifera
Peters, 1854[2]
Synonyms[3]

Naja haje var. annulifera Peters, 1854
Naia haie Boulenger, 1887
Naia haie Boulenger, 1896
Naja nigricollis Curtis, 1911
Naja haje haje Bogert, 1943
Naja haje annulifera Auerbach, 1987
Naia haje annulifera Boycott, 1992
Naja haje annulifera Welch, 1994
Naja annulifera Broadley, 1995
Naja (Uraeus) annulifera Wallch, 2009

The snouted cobra (Naja annulifera), also called the banded Egyptian cobra, is a highly venomous species of cobra found in Southern Africa.

Description

The snouted cobra is a relatively large species. Adult specimens average between 1.2 and 1.8 metres (3.9 and 5.9 ft) in length, but they may reach lengths of 2.5 metres (8.2 ft). Colouration of dorsal scales may vary from yellowish to greyish-brown, dark brown or blue-black. Ventral scale colouration is yellow with darker mottles. A banded phase occurs throughout the species' range and is blue-black with 7-11 yellow to yellow-brown cross bars, the lighter bands being half the width of the darker bands. The latter colour phase is more common in males. Ventrally, it is yellow mottled with black. A darker throat band is present and is usually more prominent in juveniles.[4]

Scalation

Midbody scales are in 19 rows (rarely 21) with 175-203 ventrals. There are 51-65 paired subcaudals and the anal shield is entire. There are seven (sometimes eight) upper labials that do not enter the eye, eight or 9 (rarely 10) lower labials, as well as one preocular (sometimes two) and two (sometimes one or three) postoculars. Temporals are variable.[4]

Distribution

This species is found in northeast South Africa, southern Mozambique, eastern Botswana, Malawi, throughout Zimbabwe, and parts of Eswatini.[5]

Habitat and ecology

Snouted cobras inhabit arid and moist

birds of prey and other snakes.[4]

Snouted cobra, Naja annulifera, note the gaping mouth and defensive posture.

Reproduction

This is an oviparous species, laying between 8 and 33 eggs in early summer. The young average 22 to 34 cm (8.7 to 13.4 in) in length.[4]

Taxonomy

It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Egyptian cobra (Naja haje), as was Anchieta's cobra (Naja anchietae). The latter taxon was subsequently considered to be a subspecies of the snouted cobra, before being split off as a distinct species.

Venom

It is a highly venomous species with

neurotoxic venom. Intravenous LD50 value is 1.98 mg/kg.[6] A bite can affect breathing, and if left untreated, may cause respiratory failure and death. Initial symptoms include pain and local swelling that may result in blistering. Typically, victims are bitten on the lower leg, usually at night.[4]

References

  1. ^ Alexander, G.J. & Tolley, K.A. 2021. Naja annulifera. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T110168579A120635887. Downloaded on 05 September 2021.
  2. ^ "Naja annulifera". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
  3. ^ Uetz, P. "Naja nivea". Reptile Database. The Reptile Database. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
  4. ^
    ISBN 1-86872-932-X
    .
  5. ^ "Naja annulifera - General Details, Taxonomy and Biology, Venom, Clinical Effects, Treatment, First Aid, Antivenoms". WCH Clinical Toxinology Resource. University of Adelaide. Retrieved 19 January 2012.
  6. PMID 1213684
    .
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