Monocled Cobra
Naja kaouthia • Squamata, Serpentes, Elapidae, Elapinae, Naja, Naja kaouthia
Found throughout South and Southeast Asia, including parts of India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
Look up Monocled Cobra in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Highly venomous (Proteroglyphous fangs located at the front of the maxilla)
Danger Level
Extremely Dangerous - Responsible for a high number of human fatalities due to its proximity to human dwellings and potent venom.
Family
Squamata, Serpentes, Elapidae, Elapinae, Naja, Naja kaouthia
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN), though locally threatened by habitat loss and collection for the leather, meat, and traditional medicine trades.
Physical Description
A heavy-bodied snake with smooth scales. This specimen is dark slate or black with faint transverse bands. It features a distinctive 'O'-shaped (monocle) mark on the rear of the hood which is visible in the image.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult approximately 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length. The species typically ranges from 1.3 to 1.5 meters, reaching a maximum of 2.3 meters.
Habitat
Highly adaptable species found in agricultural lands, forests, swamps, and frequently near human settlements or urban drains. Prefers lowlands but ranges up to 1,000 meters elevation.
Behavior & Temperament
Primarily crepuscular or nocturnal but often active during the day. Generally tries to flee but will raise the front of its body and spread its hood defensively if cornered; it is known to strike readily when threatened.
Diet & Feeding
Active forager consuming rodents, frogs, toads, lizards, and other snakes. It uses its venom to incapacitate prey quickly.
Reproduction
Oviparous (egg-laying), with females typically laying between 16 to 33 eggs. Females may remain with the eggs during the incubation period.
Venom Profile
Potent postsynaptic neurotoxins and cytotoxins causing paralysis and extensive tissue necrosis.
Look-alikes
Can be confused with the Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja), which has a U-shaped 'spectacle' mark, or the King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah), which is much larger and lacks the 'O' hood mark.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN), though locally threatened by habitat loss and collection for the leather, meat, and traditional medicine trades.
Cultural Significance
Frequently featured in Southeast Asian folklore and snake charming. It plays a vital role in controlling agricultural rodent pests.
Notable Features
The most diagnostic feature is the single pale circle or 'monocle' on the dorsal side of the hood. Some individuals are also capable of 'spitting' venom, though this is less common in N. kaouthia than in dedicated spitting cobra species.
Notes
Roadside drain early morning