Mozambique spitting cobra

Mozambique spitting cobra Introduction

The Mozambique spitting cobra is a species of venomous spitting cobra native to Africa.  It is a very common species of snake found in the African region. The species is widely distributed in the eastern parts of Southern Africa, most of Mozambique, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, southern Angola, Zambia, Malawi, northeastern Namibia, Northern Botswana and southern Tanzania including on Pemba island. They are found mostly in lowland forest and moist savannas, where it prefers broken, rocky country, hollow logs, termite mounds and animal holes. They are often found close to water sources, unlike the Egyptian Cobra, to which it will readily retreat if disturbed. Their dorsal side color ranges from slate gray to olive brown with a dark edge in each scale. In the ventral region, they are yellowish or salmon pink, with some black crossbars and blotches on the throat, sometimes forming a band across the ventral scales. This cobra’s diet mainly consists of amphibians, other snakes, birds, eggs, small mammals, and occasionally even insects. This cobra will also occasionally scavenge and eat carcasses even when in advanced stage of decomposition.

Keywords to learn

Accuracy: The quality or state of being correct or precise

Effectiveness: The degree to which something is successful in producing a desired result; success


Key Data

  • Order:
    Squamata.
  • Lifespan:
    20 years.
  • Class:
    Reptilia.
  • Scientific Name:
    Naja mossambica.
  • Mass:
    20 pounds.
  • Length:
    5 feet.
  • Region found:
    Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • Population Status:
    Not evaluated.
  • Current population trend:
    Unknown.
  • Diet:
    Carnivorous.
  • Sexual maturity:
    N/A.

 

As you have just learned, the Mozambique spitting cobra is an extremely feared snake in Africa and is infamous for its ability to spit its venom .

 

Now that you know more about the Mozambique spitting cobra by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.

 

 

Download questions about the Mozambique spitting cobra here: Mozambique spitting cobra (answers are on this page)

 

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on snakes. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets

 

 

Cobra Fun Facts for Kids

  • # 1. The Mozambique spitting cobra can shoot venom out of little holes in their fangs to a distance of 2-3 metres!
  • # 2. The Mozambique spitting cobra can spit its venom into the eyes with such accuracy that it almost always gets it into your eyes.
  • # 3. The Mozambique spitting cobra will move its head from side to side to spread the venom over the persons eye for more effectiveness.
  • # 4.  Its venom is about as toxic as the American Mojave rattlesnake, considered the world’s most venomous rattlesnake. Its bite causes severe local tissue destruction (similar to that of the puff adder).
  • # 5.  The eggs average 10 to 22 in number, hatchlings measure 230-250mm.

Q&A Corner

# 1.  Name two African country that the Mozambique spitting cobra can be found?

 

# 2. What is the average lifespan of the Mozambique spitting cobra?

 

# 3. At what age do Mozambique spitting cobra sexually mature?

 

# 4. How far can a Mozambique spitting cobra spray its venom?

 

# 5. How many eggs does a Mozambique spitting cobra lay?

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