Naja

Naja is a genus of venomous elapid snakes. They are the most recognized, and most widespread group of snakes commonly known as cobras, though there are several other genera which also make use of that common name. The genus Naja consists of 22 generally accepted species, but has undergone several taxonomic revisions in recent years, so sources vary greatly. They range throughout Africa, the Middle-East, India, southeastern Asia, and Indonesia.

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Species

• Anchieta's Cobra, Naja anchietae (Bocage, 1879)
• Snouted Cobra, Naja annulifera (Peters, 1854)
• Chinese Cobra, Naja atra Cantor, 1842
• Egyptian Cobra, Naja haje (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Monocled Cobra, Naja kaouthia Lesson, 1831
• Mali Cobra, Naja katiensis Angel, 1922
• Mandalay Spitting Cobra, Naja mandalayensis Slowinski & Wüster, 2000
• Black and White Cobra, Naja melanoleuca Hallowell, 1857
• Mozambique Spitting Cobra, Naja mossambica Peters, 1854
• Indian Cobra, Naja naja (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Black-necked Spitting Cobra, Naja nigricollis Reinhardt, 1843
• Giant Spitting Cobra, Naja ashei Wüster & Broadley, 2007
• Cape Cobra, Naja nivea (Linnaeus, 1758)
• Nubian Spitting Cobra, Naja nubiae Wüster & Broadley, 2003
• Central Asian Cobra, Naja oxiana (Eichwald, 1831)
• Red Spitting Cobra, Naja pallida Boulenger, 1896
• Philippine Cobra, Naja philippinensis Boulenger, 1896
• Andaman Cobra, Naja sagittifera Wall, 1913
• Peters' Cobra, Naja samarensis Peters, 1861
• Indo-Chinese Spitting Cobra, Naja siamensis Laurenti, 1768
• Indonesian Cobra, Naja sputatrix Boie, 1827
• Golden Spitting Cobra, Naja sumatrana Müller, 1890

Description

Naja species are long, relatively slender snakes. Most species are capable of attaining lengths of 6' or more. All have a characteristic ability to raise the front quarter of their body off the ground and flatten their necks to appear larger to a potential predator.

Venom

All species in the genus Naja are capable of delivering a fatal bite in a human. Most species have strongly neurotoxic venom, which attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis, but many also have hemotoxic features which causes swelling, necrosis and has a significant anticoagulant effect.

Several Naja species, referred to as spitting cobras, have developed a specialized venom delivery mechanism, in which their front fangs, instead of releasing venom through the tips, as a hypodermic needle, have a rifled opening in the front surface, which allows the snake to propel the venom out of the mouth. While typically referred to as spitting, the action is more like squirting. The range and accuracy with which they can shoot their venom varies from species to species, but it is used primarily as a defense mechanism. Once sprayed onto a victim's skin, the venom acts as a severe irritant. If it is introduced to the eye, it can cause a severe burning sensation and temporary or even permanent blindness if not cleaned out immediately and thoroughly.

See also

• Cobra