Animal Venom Research International, Spectacled Cobra, Naja naja

The spectacled cobra is a species responsible for many snakebite mortalities. Clinically, its predominant venom effects have been respiratory failure due to neurotoxins and severe necrosis at the site of the bite due to cytotoxins. The cobra naturally resides in forested areas, but can often be found on plantations or in human inhabited towns and villages.

The spectacled cobra is easily identified by the two 'eye like' black spots on the ventral aspect of the hood and the variable spectacle-like markings on the dorsal aspect. A sight long associated with Sri Lanka is the hooded cobra 'dancing' to the snake charmer's 'been' or flute.