Snout-Nosed Cobra

Naja annulifera

Geographical Locale

Snout-Nosed Cobra image (Naja annulifera) | Rentokil Pest Control
  • Found throughout Africa.

Appearance

  • Two enlarged venom fangs fixed in the front of the mouth.
  • Solid teeth in both jaws.
  • Typically yellowish to olive brown but can be brown or dark brown.
  • Belly usually yellowish.
  • Normally have a darker band of colour round the neck.
  • Average length of adults between 1.5 and 2 metres but can reach lengths of 3 metres!
  • Body is cylindrical and stout with a long tail.
  • Males larger than females.
  • Often confused with the Eqyptian Cobra (Naja haje).

Venom

  • Highly poisonous. Neurotoxic – attacks central nervous system.

Lifecycle

  • Oviparous snakes; females lay between 8 and 20 eggs.
  • Incubation period is between 65 and 90 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 arid or moist savannah.
  • Active at night; foraging from early evening – often found in poultry runs.
  • Not naturally aggressive and will bask in the sun near it’s home to enable ‘a quick retreat’ if disturbed.
  • 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.