Equatorial spitting cobra: Difference between revisions
Sebastian80 (talk | contribs) m moved Equatorial Spitting Cobra to Golden spitting cobra: Much more common name, plus "spitting and cobra" shouldn't be capitalized |
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'''Golden Spitting Cobra''' (''Naja sumatrana'') also called the '''Equatorial spitting cobra''' or '''Sumatran spitting cobra''', is a species of [[spitting cobra]] found in [[Southeast Asia]]. |
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'''Equatorial Spitting Cobra''' is a front-fanged and also a venomous [[snake]] species. These snakes can accurately spit a powerful [[neurotoxic]] venom into the eyes which can cause temporary blindness. It preys on rats and frogs, and is active day and night. |
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<ref>[http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/equatorial_spitting_cobra.htm Equatorial Spitting Cobra on Ecologyasia.com]</ref> |
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This species is medium in length, averaging between {{convert|0.9|to|1.2|m|ft}} in length, though they can grow a bit longer to {{convert|1.5|m|ft}}.<ref name=AsiaticN>{{cite web|title=Asiatic Naja|url=http://pages.bangor.ac.uk/~bss166/Taxa/AsNaja.htm|publisher=Bangor University|accessdate=8 January 2012}}</ref> The body is compressed dorsoventrally and sub-cylindrical posteriorly. The head of this species is elliptical, depressed, and slightly distinct from the neck with a short, rounded snout and large nostrils. Eyes are medium in size with round pupils. Dorsal scales are smooth and strongly oblique.<ref name=wch>{{cite web|title=Naja sumatrana - General Details, Taxonomy and Biology, Venom, Clinical Effects, Treatment, First Aid, Antivenoms|url=http://www.toxinology.com/fusebox.cfm?fuseaction=main.snakes.display&id=SN0047|work=WCH Clinical Toxinology Resource|publisher=University of Adelaide|accessdate=8 January 2012}}</ref> This species of cobra has no hood marks and colouration varies greatly based upon geographical location. Juveniles and adults also tend to be of different colour.<ref name=AsiaticN/> |
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{{reflist}} |
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===Scalation=== |
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19-27 rows around hood (normally 21-25), 15-19 just ahead of mid-body; 179-201 ventrals, 40-57 subcaudals; basal subcaudals often undivided. |
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==Distribution== |
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This species of cobra is found in the equatorial [[Southeast Asia|Southeast Asian]] nations of [[Brunei]], [[Indonesia]], [[Malaysia]], [[Philippines]], [[Singapore]], and [[Thailand]].<ref name=wch/> In Indonesia it occurs in the islands of [[Sumatra]], [[Borneo]], [[Bangka]], [[Belitung]], and the [[Riau Archipelago]]. In the Philippines it can be found in [[Palawan]] and [[Culion]]. It may occur in neighboring islands in both Indonesia and the Philippines. It is possible that remnant populations still occur in western [[Java]].<ref name=AsiaticN/> |
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==Habitat and ecology== |
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This species can be found in elevations up to about {{convert|1500|m|ft}} above sea level in mainly primary and secondary tropical forests (including dense jungle terrain). However, it has also been found in gardens, parks, and in urban areas where it may come in contact with humans. It is a terrestrial and mainly [[Diurnality|diurnal]] snake<ref name=wch/> that feeds mainly on rodents and frogs,<ref name=EcoAsia>{{cite web|title=Equatorial Spitting Cobra|url=http://www.ecologyasia.com/verts/snakes/equatorial_spitting_cobra.htm|work=Ecology Asia|publisher=http://www.ecologyasia.com|accessdate=8 January 2012}}</ref> but will also feed on other snakes, lizards and small mammals.<ref name=wch/> Though not aggressive in nature, these snakes can and will readily spit venom when they are cornered or threatened. They will also strike and bite.<ref name=wch/><ref name=EcoAsia/> |
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==Venom== |
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Like other cobra species, this snake possess postsynaptic [[neurotoxin|neurotoxic]] venom. The venom may also consist of [[cardiotoxin]]s and [[cytotoxin]]s. |
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==References== |
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[[Category:Elapidae]] |
[[Category:Elapidae]] |
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[[Category:Venomous snakes]] |
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[[de:Sumatra-Kobra]] |
[[de:Sumatra-Kobra]] |
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Revision as of 22:03, 8 January 2012
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| Species: | Naja sumatrana
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Golden Spitting Cobra (Naja sumatrana) also called the Equatorial spitting cobra or Sumatran spitting cobra, is a species of spitting cobra found in Southeast Asia.
Description
This species is medium in length, averaging between 0.9 to 1.2 metres (3.0 to 3.9 ft) in length, though they can grow a bit longer to 1.5 metres (4.9 ft).[1] The body is compressed dorsoventrally and sub-cylindrical posteriorly. The head of this species is elliptical, depressed, and slightly distinct from the neck with a short, rounded snout and large nostrils. Eyes are medium in size with round pupils. Dorsal scales are smooth and strongly oblique.[2] This species of cobra has no hood marks and colouration varies greatly based upon geographical location. Juveniles and adults also tend to be of different colour.[1]
Scalation
19-27 rows around hood (normally 21-25), 15-19 just ahead of mid-body; 179-201 ventrals, 40-57 subcaudals; basal subcaudals often undivided.
Distribution
This species of cobra is found in the equatorial Southeast Asian nations of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.[2] In Indonesia it occurs in the islands of Sumatra, Borneo, Bangka, Belitung, and the Riau Archipelago. In the Philippines it can be found in Palawan and Culion. It may occur in neighboring islands in both Indonesia and the Philippines. It is possible that remnant populations still occur in western Java.[1]
Habitat and ecology
This species can be found in elevations up to about 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea level in mainly primary and secondary tropical forests (including dense jungle terrain). However, it has also been found in gardens, parks, and in urban areas where it may come in contact with humans. It is a terrestrial and mainly diurnal snake[2] that feeds mainly on rodents and frogs,[3] but will also feed on other snakes, lizards and small mammals.[2] Though not aggressive in nature, these snakes can and will readily spit venom when they are cornered or threatened. They will also strike and bite.[2][3]
Venom
Like other cobra species, this snake possess postsynaptic neurotoxic venom. The venom may also consist of cardiotoxins and cytotoxins.
References
- ^ a b c "Asiatic Naja". Bangor University. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
- ^ a b c d e "Naja sumatrana - General Details, Taxonomy and Biology, Venom, Clinical Effects, Treatment, First Aid, Antivenoms". WCH Clinical Toxinology Resource. University of Adelaide. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
- ^ a b "Equatorial Spitting Cobra". Ecology Asia. http://www.ecologyasia.com. Retrieved 8 January 2012.
{{cite web}}: External link in|publisher=