Black-necked Spitting Cobra
Naja nigricollis
- Least concern
- Card rarity: Common
- Reptiles
The black-necked spitting cobra is a species of spitting cobra found mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. They are moderately sized snakes that can grow to a length of 1.2 to 2.2 m in length. Their coloration and markings can vary considerably. They prey primarily on small rodents. They possess medically significant venom, although the mortality rate for untreated bites on humans is relatively low. Like other spitting cobras, they can eject venom from their fangs when threatened. The cytotoxic venom irritates the skin, causing blisters and inflammation, and can cause permanent blindness if the venom makes contact with the eyes and is not washed off.
Classification
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Elapidae
- Genus
- Naja