Cobra

A King Cobra

The name “cobra” is derived from the Portuguese “cobra capo,” literally “snake hood.” This term can refer to any hooded snake, regardless of taxonomy. Most of these snakes are in the Elapidae family, but because the term is so general almost 300 species fall into this category. Although they’re closely identified with a threatening head thrusting pose, this ability isn’t universal for these reptiles. The category can be divided into six major groups of animals:

Ophiophagus hannah
Common name: King Cobra

The largest and most famous of all cobras, this species can reach a length of over 18 feet (5.5 meters.) The Ophiophagus hannah can pull its body upward like the Naja, and its hiss sounds like a growling dog. Although it doesn’t have the strongest venom, each bite dispenses enough poison to kill an elephant. It is also the only snake that builds a nest for its eggs, guarding them until they hatch. It can be found in southeast Asia, India and southern China.

Genus Naja
Common name: Typical Cobra 

This group of twenty or so species is what most people think of as a cobra. When threatened, a Naja snake can pull as much as one quarter of its body upright and flatten its neck, creating the pose most associated with these snakes. The Naja naja is revered in India, and is the reptile of choice for snake charmers. Other examples of the genus can be found throughout Africa and Asia.

Genus Aspidelaps
Common name: Shield Nose or Cape Coral snake

The African A. lubricus and A. scutatus are similar to Naja species aside from a smaller hood.

Genus Pseudohaje
Common name: Tree cobras

Originally thought to be in the Naja genus, these tree dwellers were reclassified once it was discovered that their venom used a different type of neurotoxin. Found in Africa, these tree dwellers have smaller fangs and bone structure than snakes in their former classification.

Hemachatus haemachatus
Common name: Ring-necked Spitting Cobras, Rinkhals

Another South African snake, it is one of the few species known to play dead when it senses a threat. When attacking, the Rinkhals aims at the face of the threat: Its venom can be extremely painful if it comes in contact with the eyes. Mothers carry their eggs until the hatch.

Micrurus fulvius
Common name: American Cobra or Eastern Coral Snake

Found in the Southeast of the United States and parts of Mexico, this snake lacks a hood. The harmless Scarlet Snake and Scarlet King Snake mimic the Micrurus fulvius’ red and yellow coloring.

Hydrodynastes gigas
Common name: False Water Cobras, Brazilian Smooth Snake

This South American snake can climb, burrow and swim, letting it travel through any terrain. Fortunately, bites are rare and its venom has almost no effect on humans.

Genus Bitis
Common name: Puff Adder

These species of venomous vipers in Africa and the southern end of the Arabian Peninsula. Their common name comes from their ability to inflate and deflate their entire bodies, giving them a distinct hissing pattern.