About Spitting Cobras

Spitting cobras, while part of the larger cobra family known for their venomous bite and impressive hood display, differ from the rest of cobras because of their ability to spray their venom at the eyes and face of enemies.

Geography

Spitting cobras can be found mainly in Africa, although some species live in parts of Indonesia.

Africa is home to six species of spitting cobra, with the sixth species--a giant spitting cobra in Kenya that grows to an impressive 9 feet in length and delivers enough venom in one bite to kill 20 people--having only been recently discovered

Types

While the most famous type of spitting cobra is the black necked cobra, there are many other species of cobra capable of ejecting their venom, including the banded spitting cobra, South African ringhal spitting cobra, red spitting cobra; equatorial spitting cobra and the ringed necked spitting cobras

Features

The spitting cobra's venom is sprayed when the muscles around the cobra's venom glands contract, forcing the venom out of small holes in the fangs. The venom gets its "spray" effect because the cobra simultaneously exhales a sharp gust of air when the venom is ejected, causing the toxin to spray over a large distance. In fact, the spitting cobra can spray venom up to a distance of 13 feet, and accurately target a predator's eyes up to 6 feet. In addition, the cobra can launch up to 12 successive shots. The spitting cobra's venom is harmless when sprayed at an enemy unless it lands in the enemy's eyes. The venom stings painfully when it comes into contact with the eye and can cause blindness if it is in large quantities or is not washed out promptly

Function

Experts believe that the cobra's spitting behavior was a trait that evolved directly because spitting cobras live amongst various types of antelope. The evolution of the venom spitting is thought to be the way the snake protects itself from being trampled by the antelope's sharp hooves. To back up this theory, scientists point out the cobra's spitting behavior: the spitting cobra moves its head rapidly from side to side when ejecting the venom in order to increase the chance of the toxin reaching the eyes of a victim several feet in front of them. In addition, the cobra does not spit for the purpose of hunting. Rather, the cobra bites and injects its poison directly into the bloodstream when it is actively trying to kill.

Warning

If you have been sprayed by a spitting cobra, retreat from the snake as slowly as possible (luckily, the cobra seldom strikes after it has sprayed in self-defense) and wash off the venom as soon as possible. If the venom has reached your eyes, use whatever liquid is available to wash it out immediately; milk is best, but water---even urine---should be used quickly to prevent the venom from causing blindness. Seek immediate medical help.

Resources

• TigerHomes.org provides information and pictures of spitting cobras and other poisonous snakes