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Animal profile

Mozambique Spitting Cobra

Naja mossambica

ReptiliaSavanna, lowland woodland and rocky country near water in southeastern AfricaLeast Concern

Field profile

The Mozambique spitting cobra is a slate to olive-brown African elapid with salmon-pink underparts marked with dark bars. It is common around human dwellings and often enters buildings at night. It is one of Africa's most frequent causes of serious snakebite.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2024-08-03

Mozambique Spitting Cobra

Spitting cobras aim for the eyes specifically

The spray is not a random defensive squirt. High-speed video shows spitting cobras track a face, discharge in a rotating pattern and time the release to head movement, so venom lands across both eyes rather than on skin.

Read with evidence →

Mozambique Spitting Cobra | Daily Animal Facts