Indian Cobra
| Class: Reptilia:
Reptiles |
Diet: Small mammals,
reptiles, amphibians |
| Order:
Squamata: Lizards and Snakes |
| Size: body:1.8
- 2.2 m (6 - 7 1/4 ft) |
| Family: Elapidae:
Cobras and Sea Snakes |
Conservation Status:
Non-threatened |
| Scientific Name:
Naja naja |
Habitat: rainforest,
rice fields, cultivated land |
| Range:
India, central Asia, Southeast Asia |
 A
large, highly venomous snake, the Indian cobra feeds on rodents, lizards,
and frogs. As well as biting, the Indian cobra can attack or defend itself
from a distance by "spitting" venom, which, if it enters the opponent's
eyes, causes severe pain and damage. The snake actually forces the venom
through its fangs, by exerting muscular pressure on the venom glands, so
that it sprays out in twin jets for 2 m (6 1/2 ft) or more. In its characteristic
threat posture, the Indian cobra raises the front one-third of its body
and spreads out its long, flexible neck ribs and loose skin to form a disklike
hood, on the back of which there are markings resembling eyes. Indian cobras
pay more attention to their eggs than is usual in snakes. The 8 to 45 eggs
(usually 12 to 20) are laid in a hollow tree, a termite mound or earth
into which the snakes tunnel. The female guards the clutch throughout the
incubation period, leaving them only for a short time each day to feed.
The young hatch after about 50 or 60 days.
  
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