How to Identify Anchieta's Cobra (Identification Guide)

Key identifying features

Anchieta's cobra (Naja anchietae) is a medium-to-large cobra of southwestern Africa, closely related to the Egyptian cobra complex, displaying the typical cobra defensive posture of rearing and hood-spreading when threatened. It is not generally considered a spitting species, relying on hooding and striking behavior.

Coloration & pattern

Coloration is variable, ranging from light brown or tan to darker grayish-brown, often with a relatively uniform appearance, though some individuals show subtle darker speckling or banding. The underside is pale, often cream or yellowish, sometimes with darker markings near the throat and forebody. Juveniles may show more visible banding that fades toward adulthood.

Head, eyes & scales

The head is broad and moderately distinct from the neck, covered in large smooth scales typical of cobras. Eyes are round-pupiled and moderate in size. The hood is broad and rounded when spread, consistent with its relatively large body size.

Size & body shape

Adults typically reach 1.4–1.8 m, occasionally larger, with a moderately robust body and an average-length tapering tail, making it one of the larger cobra species in the region.

Range & habitat where you'll see it

Anchieta's cobra occurs in Angola, Namibia, and parts of Zambia and Botswana, favoring dry savanna, semi-arid scrubland, and rocky terrain. It is often found near rock outcrops, burrows, and termite mounds, and can occur in areas close to human habitation.

How to tell it apart from look-alikes

Anchieta's cobra closely resembles the Egyptian cobra and Cape cobra in general build, and its identification often relies heavily on range within Angola and Namibia, where these other species are less common or absent. Its relatively plain brown-to-gray coloration, lacking the bold patterning of some other African elapids, combined with locality, are the primary identification cues.