Mozambique spitting cobra
| Mozambique spitting cobra | |
|---|---|
| |
| In Kruger National Park, South Africa | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Suborder: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | Laurenti, 1768
|
| Species: | N. mossambica
|
| Binomial name | |
| Naja mossambica | |
| |
| Distribution of the Mozambique spitting cobra | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
The Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambica), also called the mfezi is a species of spitting cobra native to Africa. It has no known subspecies.
Etymology
Naja mossambica was first described by German naturalist Wilhelm Peters in 1854.[2] The generic name naja is a Latinisation of the Sanskrit word nāgá (नाग) meaning "cobra". Mossambica is derived from the Latin word "Mozambique" and means of Mozambique or from Mozambique.
Description
A small cobra, neither particularly thick nor thin bodied. The head is blunt, the eye medium sized, with a round pupil. Its body is cylindrical, tail quite long. Scales are smooth, in 23-25 rows at midbody. The average length of adults is between 0.8 and 1.3 metres (2.6 and 4.3 ft), but they may grow to lengths of 1.5 metres (4.9 ft). The largest specimen actually measured was a male measuring 1.54 metres (5.1 ft) in length in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. Back colour is usually some shade of brown, occasionally pinkish. Juveniles may appear olive-green and large adults may be grey. Underside is pale brown, pinkish or grey, and on the neck, throat and anterior third of the belly there is a mixture of black bars, half bars, blotches and spots. Some specimens only have a few small markings, while others have the throat heavily mottled with black. The skin between the scales is blackish and visible, giving a "net" appearance in some specimens, and the scales on the side of the head (especially the lips) may be black edged.[3][4]
Scalation
Dorsal scales are in 23-25 (rarely 21 or 27) rows at midbody, with 177-205 ventrals and 52-71 paired subcaudals. The anal shield is entire. There are six (rarely seven) upper labials with the third (sometimes third and fourth) entering the eye, and 9 (sometimes eight, 10 or 11) lower labials, as well as two preoculars (sometimes one) and three (sometimes two) postoculars. Temporals are variable.[5]
Distribution
The distribution includes KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa, lowveld southeastern Tanzania and Pemba Island and west to southern Angola and northern Namibia.[3] It is also found throughout the nations of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, in southern Malawi, most of Zambia and much of Botswana, especially the northeastern section.[5][6]
Habitat and ecology
This species of cobra can be found in moist savanna and lowland forests,[5] woodlands, and cleared areas of former forest. It is particularly common in lowveld regions, and frequently forages around human habitation in villages and towns at night.[6] Although more common in lowland areas, it has been recorded from quite high altitude, 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) above sea level in Zimbabwe, also common among the low granite hills of eastern Botswana, the northern Transvaal, and south and eastern Zimbabwe.[4] Where ever it is found, this species likes broken rock country, hollow logs, abandoned termite mounds, and animal holes, often close to a source of permanent water. Adults tend to be more nocturnal, while juveniles are more active during the day. Adults may be seen basking under the sun near their retreats during the day. Generally a timid snake, it prefers to retreat from a threat rather than stand its ground.[5] However, it is a nervous species, and when cornered, it can rear up to as much as two-thirds of its length, spread its long, narrow hood and will readily "spit" its venom in defense, usually from a reared-up position. By doing this, the venom can be ejected to a distance of 2 to 3 metres (6.6 to 9.8 ft), with remarkable accuracy. This spitting cobra does bite depending on its environment and situation, and also shares the same habit with the rinkhals of feigning death to avoid further molestation.[7] This cobra's diet mainly consists of amphibians, birds, eggs, small mammals, and occasionally insects.[3] Lizards and other snakes, including the puff adder are also preyed upon by this cobra species. It may also be found foraging in poultry runs and in the vicinity of houses.[5]
Reproduction
This is an oviparous species, laying between 10 and 22 eggs in midsummer. The hatchlings typically measure between 23 and 25 centimetres (9.1 and 9.8 in) in length.[5]
Venom
The venom of this species is predominantly cytotoxic, causing serious local tissue damage which often requires skin grafts. Only slight neurotoxic symptoms, such as drowsiness, may occur, and fatalities are rare (even in untreated cases). The early administration of antivenom may reduce the extent of tissue damage.[5] Like the black necked spitting cobra and the Rinkhals, it can "spit" its venom. Venom to the eyes can also cause pain, impaired vision and temporary or permanent blindness.[3]
References
- ^ a b Uetz, Peter. "Naja mossambica PETERS, 1854". The Reptile Database. http://reptile-database.reptarium.cz. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
{{cite web}}: External link in|publisher= - ^ a b "Naja mossambica". ITIS Standard Report Page. ITIS.gov. Retrieved 28 February 2012.
- ^ a b c d Branch, Bill (1998). Field Guide to the Snakes and Other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Ralph Curtis Publishing. p. 109. ISBN 978088359042.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: length (help) - ^ a b Spawls, Branch, Stephen, Bill (1995). The Dangerous Snakes of Africa. UK: Blandford. pp. 73–74. ISBN 0-7137-2394-7.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d e f g Marais, Johan (2004). A Complete Guide to the Snakes of Southern Africa. Cape Town, South Africa: Struik Nature. pp. 108–109. ISBN 9781868729326.
- ^ a b "Naja mossambica - General Details, Taxonomy and Biology, Venom, Clinical Effects, Treatment, First Aid, Antivenoms". WCH Clinical Toxinology Resource. University of Adelaide. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
- ^ Carruthers, Vincent (2005). The Wildlife of Southern Africa: A Field Guide to the Animals and Plants of the Region?. Struik. p. 100. ISBN 9781868724512.