Above : This large cobra, cornered under some stairs, clearly
felt threatened - it immediately raised its hood and hissed loudly.
Middle and lower : this cobra was found unsuccessfully trying to
pull its prey, probably some kind of rodent or frog, from a burrow.
All photos taken in Singapore.
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Equatorial Spitting Cobras
are a front-fanged, venomous species which should be avoided. Though not
aggressive in nature, these snakes can accurately spit a powerful neurotoxic
venom into the eyes which can cause temporary blindness. The bite, however,
can be fatal.
There are two colour
phases: a yellow form commonly found in Thailand, and a black form found in
Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore.
This is a common species
in older, more wooded residential areas of towns and cities in many parts of
Southeast Asia, including Singapore. It preys on rats and frogs, and is
active day and night.
Family : ELAPIDAE
Species : Naja sumatrana
Maximum Size : 1.6 metres
References
: H1, H2
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