Black and white-lipped cobra
A species of Cobras, Also known as Forest cobra Scientific name : Naja melanoleuca Genus : Cobras
Black and white-lipped cobra, A species of Cobras
Also known as:
Forest cobra
Scientific name: Naja melanoleuca
Genus: Cobras
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Traumrune , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca), also commonly called the black cobra and the black and white-lipped cobra, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Africa, mostly the central and western parts of the continent. It is the largest true cobra species with a total length (including tail) of up to 3.1 meters (10 feet). Although it prefers lowland forest and moist savanna habitats, this cobra is highly adaptable...
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Black and white-lipped cobra exhibits a carnivorous dietary pattern, primarily consuming small mammals, birds, amphibians, and other reptiles. This species employs a venomous bite to immobilize its prey before ingestion.
Appearance
Black and white-lipped cobra is a large snake with a slender, elongated body covered in smooth, glossy scales. It possesses an iconic hood that expands when threatened. The snake's color varies from stark black, brown, or even almost white, with noticeable, lighter color bands. Unlike many snakes, its color is uniform across males, females, and juveniles, demonstrating no discernible variations due to age or gender.
Behavior
Black and white-lipped cobra is a solitary, nocturnal snake with potent venom. Its primary hunting strategy involves ambushing prey, striking rapidly when within range. The species is highly territorial, aggressively defending its territory from rivals when needed. Adapted to life in diverse ecosystems, black and white-lipped cobra can climb trees and swim proficiently. Notably, during threat display, it expands a hood, hisses, and strikes with a closed mouth.
Population
Decreasing
Photo By Traumrune , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Elapids Genus
Cobras Species
Black and white-lipped cobra