Thai spitting cobra, Siamese spitting cobra
The Indochinese spitting cobra (Naja siamensis) is a species of spitting cobra found in Southeast Asia. It was long confused with the Monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia) and the Chinese cobra (Naja atra), and extensive variation in pattern and scalation contributed to this confusion. However, detailed morphological and molecular analyses revealed it to be a distinct species during the 1990s.
The Indochinese spitting cobra is a medium-sized elapid, with a more slender build compared to most other cobras within the genus Naja. The body color of this species is variable from grey to brown to black, with white spots or stripes. The white patterning can be so prolific that it covers the majority of the snake. The highly distinctive black-and-white color phase is common in central Thailand, specimens from western Thailand are mostly black, whereas individuals from elsewhere are usually brown. The hood mark can be spectacle-shaped, irregular, or missing altogether, especially in adults.
These spitting cobras are found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos. They may also occur in eastern Myanmar but no records are known. Indochinese spitting cobras live in a range of habitats including lowlands, hills, plains, and woodland. They can also be found in jungles and they are sometimes attracted to human settlements because of the abundant rodents.
Indochinese spitting cobras lead a solitary lifestyle. They are nocturnal and show variable temperament depending on the time of day they are encountered. When threatened during daylight hours, these snakes are generally timid and seek refuge in the nearest burrow. However, when they are threatened at night, they are more aggressive and are more likely to stand their ground, rear up display their hood, and spit out their venom. If spitting venom doesn't work, they will strike and bite as a last resort. When biting, Indochinese spitting cobras will hold on and chew savagely.
The venom of the Indochinese spitting cobra is primarily a postsynaptic neurotoxin and cytotoxin (necrotizing or tissue-death). Like all cobras, this species shows variation in venom toxicity based on different factors (diet, locality, etc.). Bite symptoms include pain, swelling, and necrosis around the wound. The bite of this snake is potentially lethal to an adult human. Deaths, which generally happen due to paralysis and consequent asphyxiation, mainly occur in rural areas where the procurement of antivenin is difficult. If the snake spits venom into the eyes of an individual, the individual will experience immediate and severe pain as well as temporary and sometimes even permanent blindness.
Indochinese spitting cobras are carnivores. They usually feed on rodents, toads, and other snakes.
This is an oviparous or egg-laying species. The female will lay 13-19 eggs 100 days after oviposition. Eggs will hatch after 48-70 days depending on the temperature of incubation. Snakelets are independent as soon as they have hatched. They possess fully developed venom delivery systems and should be treated with the same respect as adults.
This species is heavily collected in many areas of their native range and then used in traditional Chinese medicine.
The IUCN Red List and other sources don’t provide the number of the Indochinese spitting cobra total population size. Currently, this species is classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are decreasing.
