Ashe's Spitting Cobra
Naja ashei
The largest of the spitting cobras, a robust brown East African species capable of exceptional size.
- Adult length
- 2-2.7 m (6.6-8.9 ft)
- Range
- East Africa (Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania)
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Overview
Ashe's spitting cobra, described as a distinct species in 2007, is the largest known spitting cobra, with some individuals exceeding 2.5 meters in length. It occurs across parts of East Africa and was previously confused with the black-necked spitting cobra before being recognized separately.
It is an elapid of considerable size.
How to identify it
- One of the largest cobras in the world; adults typically 2-2.7 m, with maximum lengths approaching 2.7 m.
- Coloration usually uniform brown or tan, sometimes with a slightly paler underside.
- Smooth scales, round pupils, capable of spreading a broad hood when threatened.
- Distinguished from the black-necked spitting cobra primarily by its notably larger adult size and generally more uniform brown coloration.
Habitat & range
Found in savanna, semi-arid scrubland, and rocky terrain across Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania, often sheltering in termite mounds, rock crevices, or abandoned burrows.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal, hunting large prey items including rodents, other snakes, and occasionally larger vertebrates given its size. When disturbed, it rears up and spreads its hood. It is oviparous, with clutches that can be relatively large given the species' size.
Frequently asked questions
How big does Ashe's spitting cobra get?
It is the largest known spitting cobra, with adults typically reaching 2-2.7 m (6.6-8.9 ft).
Where is it found?
In East Africa, including Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania.
When was it recognized as a distinct species?
It was formally described as a separate species in 2007, having previously been confused with the black-necked spitting cobra.
Ashe's Spitting Cobra guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Ashe's Spitting Cobra.
