How to Identify the Snouted Cobra (Identification Guide)
The snouted cobra is identified by its slightly upturned snout tip, dull brown to gray-black body, and broad hood typical of southern African true cobras.
Read the full Snouted Cobra encyclopedia entry →
Key identifying features
The snouted cobra (Naja annulifera), sometimes called the banded Egyptian cobra, is identified by a subtly upturned or angular snout tip, a generally dull brown, gray, or blackish body, and a broad rounded hood typical of African true cobras. Its slightly distinctive snout shape gives the species its common name and is a useful close-range identification feature.
Coloration & pattern
Adults are usually uniform brown, grayish-brown, or blackish above, sometimes with a paler band across the neck or faint darker crossbands on the body, though patterning is generally subdued rather than bold. The underside is pale, often with darker blotches or bands, especially near the throat and forebody.
Head, eyes & scales
The head is broad, with a snout that appears slightly upturned or angular at the tip compared to some other African cobras, though this feature requires a reasonably close view to appreciate. Eyes are medium-sized with round pupils. The hood is broad and rounded when spread. Scales are smooth.
Size & body shape
Adults typically reach 5 to 6.5 feet, with a heavy, muscular body, making it a large cobra though generally somewhat smaller than the Egyptian cobra with which it overlaps in parts of its range.
Range & habitat where you'll see it
The snouted cobra occurs in southern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, favoring savanna, bushveld, and dry woodland, often near termite mounds and rodent burrows that provide shelter.
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
The Egyptian cobra, which overlaps with the snouted cobra in parts of its range, tends to be larger and lacks the subtly upturned snout tip. The Cape cobra shows far more color variation, including bright yellow and orange morphs not typical of the snouted cobra's duller brown and gray tones. The Mozambique spitting cobra is generally smaller and has a somewhat different head profile associated with its venom-spraying behavior, along with more contrasting banded coloration in juveniles.
Frequently asked questions
What snout feature helps identify the snouted cobra?
A slightly upturned or angular snout tip, best seen at close range, distinguishes it from some similarly colored African cobras.
How does the snouted cobra's color compare to the Cape cobra?
It is generally duller, in brown, gray, or blackish tones, whereas the Cape cobra can show much brighter yellow or orange coloration.
Where is the snouted cobra found?
It occurs in southern Africa, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, in savanna and dry woodland habitats.
How large does the snouted cobra get?
Adults typically reach 5 to 6.5 feet, making it a large cobra, though usually somewhat smaller than the Egyptian cobra found in overlapping areas.