Egyptian cobra
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| iEgyptian cobra | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
||||||||||||||||
| Scientific classification | ||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
|
|
||||||||||||||||
| Naja haje Linnaeus, 1988 |
The Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) is a type of venomous snake native to North Africa and the Middle East. The Egyptian Cobra is the most common cobra in Africa and is responsible for many deaths in Africa. It lives from the Sahara Desert to the Syrian Desert. The Egyptian Cobra, like all other cobras, raises its hood when in danger. It is also the largest of all cobra species with a maximum length of 300cm. This is not to be confused with the King Cobra, which is the largest of the venomous snakes. The King Cobra is found in a different genus and is therefore not a true cobra like the Egyptian Cobra.
The Egyptian Cobra's venom is extremly toxic -- it is the second most toxic venom of any cobra, after the Cape Cobra. However, the Egyptian cobra is considered to be much deadlier than the Cape cobra because it is larger, more aggressive and can inject more venom per bite. The bite of the Egyptian cobra was proven to induce quick and painless death, and is considered by many to be the serpent used by Cleopatra to aid her demise. A stylised Egyptian Cobra was the symbol of sovereignty of the Pharaohs, and therefore it is also called Uraeus serpent
This snake preys on small mammals, lizards, toads and other snakes, including the puff adder and Cape Cobra.
The main characteristic of an Egyptian Cobra is the head and the hood. The head is large and depressed with a broad snout. The cobra's eyes are big with a round pupil inside. Its neck may range from 15-18 cm wide.
 |
This snake article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
