Forest cobra
Species of snake / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca), also commonly called the black cobra and the black and white-lipped cobra,[4] is a species of highly venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Africa, mostly the central and western parts of the continent.[5] It is the largest true cobra species with a record length of 3.2 metres (10 feet 6 inches).[6][7]
Forest cobra | |
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Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Serpentes |
Family: | Elapidae |
Genus: | Naja |
Subgenus: | Boulengerina |
Species: | N. melanoleuca |
Binomial name | |
Naja melanoleuca | |
Forest cobra distribution in green | |
Synonyms[2] | |
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Although it prefers lowland forest and moist savanna habitats, this cobra is highly adaptable and can be found in drier climates within its geographical range. It is a very capable swimmer and is often considered to be semi-aquatic.[8] The forest cobra is a generalist in its feeding habits, having a highly varied diet: anything from large insects to small mammals and other reptiles.[4] This species is alert, nervous and is considered to be a medically significant snake.[8][9] When cornered or molested, it will assume the typical cobra warning posture by raising its fore body off the ground, spreading a narrow hood, and hissing loudly. Bites to humans are less common than from other African cobras due to various factors, though a bite from this species is a life-threatening emergency.[10]