Only described as recently as 2003 (3), the Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) is a fairly slender snake with a relatively broad, flattened head, a rounded snout, round pupils and a medium-length tail (4). Although it a medium-sized snake (4), it is relatively small for a cobra (3). The Nubian spitting cobra has the ability to expand its ribs and form a ‘hood’ when threatened (4).
The upperparts of the Nubian spitting cobra are brownish-grey, with black bases to the scales, while the underparts are a lighter buff colour and have a yellowish tint towards the rear of the body. There is a very faint dark speckling along the middle of the belly (3).
The Nubian spitting cobra is also distinguished by a throat pattern consisting of two to three dark bands (2) (3), some of which cross the neck immediately behind the head to form a forward-pointing chevron on the back of the neck (3). The third throat band often fades with age. In front of the main throat band is a distinct lighter area, usually with a small dark spot on either side. The Nubian spitting cobra also has a conspicuous, well-defined ‘tear drop’ marking under the eye (3).
This species was previously mistaken for the closely related red spitting cobra, Naja pallida. However, the red spitting cobra has only one dark band crossing the throat, and lacks the pair of dark throat spots seen in the Nubian spitting cobra (3).
- Total length: up to 151 cm (2)