Snouted cobra
Snouted cobra | |
---|---|
Scientific 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 | |
Synonyms[3] | |
Naja haje var. annulifera Peters, 1854 |
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
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
References
- ^ Alexander, G.J. & Tolley, K.A. 2021. Naja annulifera. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T110168579A120635887. Downloaded on 05 September 2021.
- ^ "Naja annulifera". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
- ^ Uetz, P. "Naja nivea". Reptile Database. The Reptile Database. Retrieved 24 March 2014.
- ^ ISBN 1-86872-932-X.
- ^ "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.
- PMID 1213684.