black spitting cobra

reptile

Also known as: Naja nigricincta woodi

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Last updated

July 22, 2026

Quick Summary

The black spitting cobra is a type of cobra, a highly venomous snake found in Africa and Asia. These snakes are known for their defensive mechanism of ejecting venom from their fangs, typically aiming for the eyes of a perceived threat. This "spitting" is achieved by squeezing muscles around their venom glands, forcing venom out. While the venom can cause intense pain and temporary or permanent blindness if it enters the eyes, it generally causes no harm to unbroken skin. The black spitting cobra, specifically Naja nigricincta woodi, is found in the dry regions of Southern Africa and turns solid black as it matures.1234

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spitting cobra
Species, range, and conservation status
…a shy snake least concern black spitting cobra Naja nigricincta woodi dry regions of Southern Africa juveniles are gray-bodied but turn solid black as adults; bites are rare least concern black-necked spitting cobra Naja nigricollis sub-Saharan Africa, primarily savanna and semi-desert regions a moderate-size snake; color varies across regions least
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…a shy snake least concern black spitting cobra Naja nigricincta woodi dry regions of Southern Africa juveniles are gray-bodied but turn solid black as adults; bites are rare least concern black-necked spitting cobra Naja nigricollis sub-Saharan Africa, primarily savanna and semi-desert regions a moderate-size snake; color varies across regions least
Read More