The snouted cobra is a relatively large species. Adult specimens average between in length, but they may reach lengths of. Colouration of dorsal scales may vary from yellowish to greyish-brown, dark brown or blue-black. Ventral scale colouration is yellow with darker mottles. A banded phase occurs throughout the species' range and is blue-black with 7-11 yellow to yellow-brown cross bars, the lighter bands being half the width of the darker bands. The latter colour phase is more common in males. Ventrally, it is yellow mottled with black. A darker throat band is present and is usually more prominent in juveniles.
Scalation
Midbody scales are in 19 rows with 175-203 ventrals. There are 51-65 paired subcaudals and the anal shield is entire. There are seven upper labials that do not enterthe eye, eight or 9 lower labials, as well as one preocular and two postoculars. Temporals are variable.
Snouted cobras inhabit arid and moist savanna, particularly in bushveld and lowveld areas. It is not found in forests. As a large cobra, it often has a permanent home base or lair in an abandoned termite mound, where it will reside for years if left undisturbed. It is a nocturnal species, foraging for food from dusk onwards. It enjoys basking in the sun during the day near its lair or retreat. This species can be quite nervous and will strike to defend itself if threatened. Like other cobras, when disturbed, it usually raises the front-third of its body when extending its hood and hissing. Very large adults are able to lift as much as 0.5 m of the body off the ground while spreading a wide, impressive hood. However, given the opportunity, it will escape to the nearest hole or crevice. Like the rinkhals, it may sham death if threatened, but this is rare. It preys on toads, rodents, birds and their eggs, lizards and other snakes, especially puff adders. It often raids poultry runs and can become a nuisance. It is preyed upon by birds of prey and other snakes.
Reproduction
This is an oviparous species, laying between 8 and 33 eggs in early summer. The young average in length.
Taxonomy
It was formerly considered a subspecies of the Egyptian cobra Naja haje, and the Anchieta's cobra was also formerly considered to be a subspecies of the latter species and later this species, before being split as a distinct species.
Venom
It is a highly venomous species with neurotoxic venom. Intravenous value is 1.98 mg/kg. A bite can affect breathing, and if left untreated, may cause respiratory failure and death. Initial symptoms include pain and local swelling that may result in blistering. Typically, victims are bitten on the lower leg, usually at night.
