Nubian spitting cobra


The Nubian spitting cobra is a species of spitting cobra native to Africa.

Description

A relatively small spitting cobra. Maximum recorded length 148 cm. Colour and pattern: Brownish-grey overall, scale bases and skin between scales black. Belly slightly lighter. Dark band across nape, dark ring across throat and neck, usually an additional dark band on belly, bands may fade with age. Scalation: 207–226 ventrals, 58–72 subcaudals, 23–29 scale rows around neck, 23–27 scale rows at midbody, 1–2 preoculars, 6–8 supralabials.

Distribution

A scattered distribution in north-eastern Africa: Egypt, Sudan, western Eritrea, Chad and Niger.

Taxonomy

It was previously confused with the red spitting cobra, but was distinguished based on detailed morphological and mitochondrial DNA analysis.