Binomial name: Naja kaouthia
Common name: Indian Monocled Cobra
Scientific classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Naja |
| Species: | N. kaouthia |
Type: VENOMOUS
Distinguishing Features: Medium sized; smooth, shiny scales; wide head and neck; distinctive hood marking different from that of the Spectacled Cobra.
Average Length: 1 m; At Birth: 20 cm; Maximum: 1.5 m (male).
Description: Monocled Cobra’s skin is shinier, their hood rounder and smaller and the head smaller than that of the Spectacled Cobra. Their colour shows a lot of variation, ranging from yellowish to greenish brown, to black, with ragged bands. Their hood bears a striking white monocle. The underside is yellowish white. This snake superficially resembles the Spectacled Cobra, but there are several minor differences.
Distribution: They are commonly found in North-East
Habitat: They mainly dwell in much wetter areas than the Spectacled Cobra.
Habits: This Cobra, also known as Bengal Cobra, is mainly nocturnal. When bothered they spread their hood and hiss at the intruder, but bite only when it’s inevitable. While most of them are calm and unexcitable, there have been cases when they are found to be energetic and quick.
Young: Their eggs and clutch sizes are perhaps smaller than that of the Spectacled Cobra. The eggs are laid between January and March.
Food: This snake prefers munching on cold blooded preys like fishes and small snakes, but they also take frogs and rats.
Status: This sub-species is killed on a large scale for its beautiful skin.
Venom: The venom of Monocled Cobra is reported to be less toxic than that of the Spectacled Cobra. The anti-venom produced by the Haffkine’s Institute is effective against its bite.
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