Egyptian Cobra

Naja haje

Geographical Locale

Egyptian Cobra image (Naja haje) | Rentokil Pest Control
  • Found throughout Africa.


Appearance

  • Two enlarged venom fangs fixed in the front of the mouth.
  • Solid teeth in both jaws.
  • Dark grey-brown in colour developing to almost black as they get older.
  • Across the neck is a broad black band.
  • Young snakes are a sandy-yellow colour with a black band on the neck.
  • Main characteristic is the head and the hood; head is large and depressed with a broad snout. Necks can be as much as 18cms wide.
  • Eyes are large with a round pupil.
  • Males larger than females; average size 1.5 to 2 metres in length.

Venom

  • Highly poisonous. Neurotoxic – attacks central nervous system.

The Bite

  • Wound shows two puncture; is extremely painful and swollen round the bite.
  • Does not show severe Oedema or bleeding.

Lifecycle

  • Oviparous; females lay between 8 & 20 eggs, usually in termite mounds.
  • Incubation period is about 60 days.
  • Hatchlings between 20 and 35cms in length.
  • Hatchlings shed their skin after 7 to 12 days.
  • Hatchlings feed after their first shedding.

Habits

  • Favourite ‘homes’ are termite mounds but can also be found in grasslands.
  • Active at night; foraging from early evening – often found in poultry runs.
  • Very timid; always basks in the sun near home to enable ‘a quick retreat’.
  • Generally only attacks if cornered or provoked.
  • Diet consists of amphibians, rodents, birds & their eggs, lizards and other snakes – particularly Puff Adders, (Bitris arietans).

The contents of this page are for information only. Rentokil UK do not treat reptiles.