Mozambique Spitting Cobra
Naja mossambica
A medium-sized, highly venomous spitting cobra of southern and East Africa, capable of accurately spraying venom toward a threat's eyes.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.9-1.2 m (3-4 ft)
- Range
- Southern and East Africa
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Overview
The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is a widespread and well-known venomous elapid across southern and East Africa. It is one of several African cobra species capable of ejecting venom as a defensive strategy, aiming toward the eyes of a perceived threat.
Its venom is primarily cytotoxic, causing tissue damage, and is considered medically significant, with a substantial number of snakebite incidents attributed to this species in the region.
How to identify it
- Medium-sized snake, typically 0.9-1.2 m (3-4 ft)
- Grayish-olive, brown, or slate-colored back, often with darker mottling
- Salmon-pink to yellowish underside, frequently with dark bars or blotches
- Moderately broad hood when displayed
- Round pupils and smooth scales
The combination of a mottled gray-brown back and a pink or yellow belly marked with dark bands is a useful identifying feature for this species.
Habitat & range
This species inhabits savanna, woodland, and moist lowland habitats, often near termite mounds, rock piles, or human dwellings. It ranges across southern and East Africa, including Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and neighboring countries.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
The Mozambique Spitting Cobra is primarily nocturnal and known for its defensive venom-spitting behavior when threatened, aiming for the eyes from a distance. It feeds on rodents, amphibians, birds, and other reptiles. It is egg-laying, with females producing clutches of around 10-22 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mozambique Spitting Cobra venomous?
Yes, it is highly venomous with cytotoxic venom considered medically significant.
Can the Mozambique Spitting Cobra spit venom?
Yes, it can accurately spray venom toward the eyes of a threat as a defensive behavior.
How big does the Mozambique Spitting Cobra get?
Adults typically reach 0.9-1.2 m (3-4 ft) in length.
Where is the Mozambique Spitting Cobra found?
It occurs across southern and East Africa, including Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania.
Mozambique Spitting Cobra guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Mozambique Spitting Cobra.
