Spitting cobra


A spitting cobra is any of several species of cobras that can project venom from their fangs when defending themselves.

Venom

The spitted venom is generally harmless on intact mammalian skin, but can cause permanent blindness if introduced to the eye; if left untreated it may cause chemosis and corneal swelling.
The venom sprays out in distinctive geometric patterns when muscles squeeze the glands to squirt it out through forward-facing holes near the tips of the fangs. Individuals of some species of spitting cobras make hissing exhalations/lunging movements of their heads when "spitting" from the tongue, and it has been argued that such actions assist in propelling the venom, but research does not support the hypothesis that they play any major functional part except possibly enhancing the threatening effect of the behaviour. When cornered, some species "spit" their venom as far as. While spitting typically is their primary form of defense, all spitting cobras also can deliver venom by biting. Most spitting cobras' venoms are significantly cytotoxic, apart from the neurotoxic and cardiotoxic effects typical of other cobra species.

Species

African:
Asiatic:
Some of the Viperidae have been reported to spit occasionally.
Among several viper species reported to "fling" or even "spit" venom forward in a spray when threatened, the Mangshan pitviper is particularly notable for consistent and well-aimed spraying of its venom.