Mozambique spitting cobra
A species of Cobras Scientific name : Naja mossambica Genus : Cobras
Mozambique spitting cobra, A species of Cobras
Scientific name: Naja mossambica
Genus: Cobras
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica) is a species of spitting cobra native to Africa.
General Info
Lifespan
10-15 years
Diet
Mozambique spitting cobra mainly preys upon rodents, but also consumes other small mammals, birds, and amphibians. It utilizes a potent neurotoxin to immobilize and digest its prey, demonstrating a remarkably adaptive feeding habit.
Appearance
Mozambique spitting cobra is a medium-sized venomous snake with a thick, elongated body, and a broad head slightly distinct from the neck. Its skin, covered in smooth scales, primarily exhibits yellow-brown to dark brown coloration, often with dark inter-scale markings. The underbelly is typically lighter, tending towards cream or white. It lacks significant features like wings or horns. No remarkable differences in physical appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies are known.
Behavior
Mozambique spitting cobra is generally solitary, known for its defensive 'hooding' behavior when threatened. It uses active foraging techniques during the night, especially targeting amphibians. It doesn’t exhibit territoriality, but will defensively bite if cornered, injecting potent neurotoxic venom.
Photo By Bernard DUPONT , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Elapids Genus
Cobras Species
Mozambique spitting cobra