Nubian spitting cobra

The Nubian spitting cobra (Naja nubiae) is a species of spitting cobra native to Africa.

Nubian spitting cobra
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Elapidae
Genus: Naja
Species:
N. nubiae
Binomial name
Naja nubiae
Nubian spitting cobra distribution

Description

A relatively small spitting cobra. Maximum recorded length 148 cm. Colour and pattern: Brownish-grey overall, scale bases and skin between scales black. Belly slightly lighter. Dark band across nape, dark ring across throat and neck, usually an additional dark band on belly, bands may fade with age. Scalation: 207–226 ventrals, 58–72 subcaudals, 23–29 scale rows around neck, 23–27 scale rows at midbody, 1–2 preoculars, 6–8 supralabials.[2]

Distribution

A scattered distribution in north-eastern Africa: Egypt (Nile Valley), Sudan (Nile Valley, Darfur), western Eritrea, Chad (Ennedi Plateau) and Niger (Aïr Mountains).[2]

Taxonomy

It was previously confused with the red spitting cobra (Naja pallida), but was distinguished based on detailed morphological and mitochondrial DNA analysis.[2]

References
  1. https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt
  2. Wüster, W. & D.G. Broadley (2003). "A new species of spitting cobra (Naja) from north-eastern Africa (Serpentes: Elapidae)" (PDF). Journal of Zoology, London. 259: 345–359. doi:10.1017/S0952836902003333.


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