How to Identify the West African Brown Spitting Cobra (Identification Guide)

Key identifying features

The West African brown spitting cobra (Naja katiensis) is a moderately sized cobra reaching around 1–1.2 m, notable for its relatively plain brownish coloration compared to more boldly patterned relatives. Like other spitting cobras, it can rear up, spread its hood, and eject venom toward a threat's eyes as a defensive response.

Coloration & pattern

This species is typically a fairly uniform reddish-brown, tan, or grayish-brown above, usually lacking strong banding or blotching, giving it a plain, understated appearance. Some individuals show faint darker speckling, but overall pattern contrast is low compared to species like the black-necked spitting cobra. The belly is pale, often cream or yellowish, sometimes with a dark band across the throat area.

Head, eyes & scales

The head is moderately broad and only slightly distinct from the neck, with large smooth scales typical of elapids. Eyes are round-pupiled and of moderate size. The hood is relatively narrow when spread compared to larger cobra species, consistent with the snake's smaller overall size.

Size & body shape

Adults generally range from about 80 cm to 1.2 m, making this one of the smaller spitting cobra species. The body is moderately slender, and the tail is of average proportional length.

Range & habitat where you'll see it

The West African brown spitting cobra is found across the savanna belt of West Africa, including Mali, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and neighboring countries, favoring dry savanna, grassland, and semi-arid habitats. It shelters in burrows, termite mounds, and rocky crevices, and is often encountered at night.

How to tell it apart from look-alikes

Its smaller size and plain, largely unpatterned brownish coloration help distinguish it from the black-necked spitting cobra, which tends to be darker and sometimes shows a distinct throat band, and from larger species like Ashe's spitting cobra. Range within the West African savanna belt, combined with the muted brown tone and modest adult size, are the most useful identification cues in the field.