Monocled Cobra

Monocled Cobra

Monocellate cobra, Indian spitting cobra

Kingdom
Phylum
Subphylum
Class
Order
Suborder
Family
Genus
SPECIES
Naja kaouthia
Population size
Unknown
Life Span
13-20 years
Length
1.3-1.5
4.3-4.9
mft
m ft 

The Monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) is a venomous cobra species widespread across South and Southeast Asia. Some populations of the Monocled cobra have the ability to spit venom, earning them the name "Indian spitting cobra".

Appearance

Monocled cobras have an O-shaped, or monocellate hood pattern, which has the "spectacle" pattern (two circular ocelli connected by a curved line) on the rear of their hood. Young Monocled cobras may be yellow, brown, gray, or blackish in color, with or without ragged or clearly defined cross bands. They can be olivaceous or brownish to black above with or without a yellow or orange-colored, O-shaped mark on the hood. They have a black spot on the lower surface of the hood on either side and one or two black cross-bars on the belly behind it. The rest of the belly is usually the same color as the back, but paler. As age advances, the snake becomes paler, wherein the adult is brownish or olivaceous. The elongated nuchal ribs enable a cobra to expand the anterior of the neck into a “hood”. They also have a pair of fixed anterior fangs. Fangs of Monocled cobras are moderately adapted for spitting.

Distribution

Geography

Monocled cobras are distributed from India in the west through to China, Vietnam, and Cambodia. They are also found on the Malay Peninsula and are native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Nepal, and Thailand. These cobras prefer habitats associated with water, such as paddy fields, swamps, and mangroves, but can also be found in grasslands, shrublands, and forests. They also occur in agricultural land and human settlements including cities.

Monocled Cobra habitat map

Climate zones

Monocled Cobra habitat map
Monocled Cobra
Attribution-ShareAlike License

Habits and Lifestyle

Monocled cobras are terrestrial creatures. In rice-growing areas, they hide in rodent burrows in the dykes between fields and have become semi-aquatic in this type of habitat. These snakes lead a solitary life and are most active at dusk. They are often found in tree holes and areas where rodents are plentiful. When disturbed Monocled cobras prefer to take flight. However, when threatened they will raise the anterior portions of their bodies, spread their hood, usually hiss loudly, and strike in an attempt to bite and defend themselves. Some populations of the Monocled cobra have the ability to spit venom.

Venom

The venom of the monocled cobra from three different localities were reported to exhibit different intravenous and subcutaneous median lethal dose: Thailand, 0.18-0.22 µg/g; Malaysia, 0.90-1.11 µg/g; and Vietnam, 0.90-1.00 µg/g, of mouse body weight. These results reflect the distinct difference in the lethal potency of the monocled cobra and response to antivenom neutralization.The major toxic components in cobra venoms are postsynaptic neurotoxins, which block the nerve transmission by binding specifically to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, leading to flaccid paralysis and even death by respiratory failure. The major α-neurotoxin in the monocled cobra's venom is a long neurotoxin, α-cobratoxin; the minor α-neurotoxin is different from cobrotoxin in one residue. The neurotoxins of this particular species are weak. The venom of this species also contains myotoxins and cardiotoxins.

Show More

In case of intravenous injection the LD50 tested in mice is 0.373 mg/kg, and 0.225 mg/kg in case of intraperitoneal injection. The average venom yield per bite is approximately 263 mg dry weight.

The monocled cobra causes the highest fatality due to snake venom poisoning in Thailand. Envenomation usually presents predominantly with extensive local necrosis and systemic manifestations to a lesser degree. Drowsiness, neurological and neuromuscular symptoms will usually manifest earliest; hypotension, flushing of the face, warm skin, and pain around bite site typically manifest within one to four hours following the bite; paralysis, ventilatory failure or death could ensue rapidly, possibly as early as 60 minutes in very severe cases of envenomation. However, the presence of fang marks does not always imply that envenomation actually occurred.

In a preliminary study, extract of Mimosa pudica plant has been shown to possibly have neutralizing effects on the toxins present in this venom.

Show Less

Diet and Nutrition

Monocled cobras are carnivores. Juveniles feed mostly on amphibians whereas adults prey on small mammals, snakes, and fish.

Mating Habits

REPRODUCTION SEASON
January-March
INCUBATION PERIOD
55-73 days
FEMALE NAME
female
MALE NAME
male
BABY NAME
snakelet
web.animal_clutch_size
16-33

Monocled cobras are oviparous and egg-laying usually takes place from January through March. Females lay 16 to 33 eggs per clutch. The incubation period lasts around 55 to 73 days and during this time the females usually stay with the eggs.

Population

Population threats

Monocled cobras don't face major threats at present. However, in some countries, these snakes are harvested for the skin trade, food and for use in traditional medicine.

Population number

According to IUCN, the Monocled cobra is locally common and widespread throughout its range but no overall population estimate is available. Currently, this species is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List but its numbers today are decreasing.

Ecological niche

Monocled cobras play an important role in their ecosystem. They help to maintain the balance of prey species and control agricultural pests such as rats and mice.

References

1. Monocled Cobra on Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monocled_cobra
2. Monocled Cobra on The IUCN Red List site - https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/177487/1488122

More Fascinating Animals to Learn About