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Monocled Cobra
Scientific Name: Naja naja kaouthia
Nick Name:
Size: Total length 1500 mm; tail length 230 mm (according to Smith [1943:429] larger specimens have been recorded, but they are rare).
Appearance: Body scales smooth, arranged in 19-21 (usually 21) longitudinal rows at mid-body; throat pale, scarcely any dark mottling, often followed by a single dark band, ventrolateral throat spots distinct; remainder of venter either pale or increasingly cloudy with darker pigmentation towards the rear; in adults, hood markings usually distinct, usually a pale, oval or circular marking, with a dark center and occasionally a narrow dark outer border; occasionally 1 or 2 dark spots are present in the pale oval; fangs not modified for spitting, venom discharge orifice large; ventrals 164-196; subcaudals 43-58.
The skin of the Monocled Cobra is shinier, the hood rounder and smaller and the head smaller than is that of the spectacled cobra. The colour varies widely, from yellowish to greenish brown to black, with ragged bands. There is a conspicuous white monocle on the hood. The underside is yellowish white Monocled Cobras superficially resemble Spectacled Cobras, but there are many small differences.
Type of Venom: powerful neurotoxin.
Nature: They are mainly nocturnal in habit.
Apart from India it is also found in Bangladesh, Myanmar (= Burma), Cambodia, NE India, Laos, N Malaysia, Nepal , S China, Thailand, S Vietnam.
Habitat:
Feeds on: Rodents, amphibians, small birds and their eggs.
Side Line:
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