Snake Identifier
Philippine Cobra (Naja philippinensis)
N. philippinensis by MorphinESTP, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Cobras & elapids

Philippine Cobra

Naja philippinensis

A cobra endemic to the northern Philippines.

Adult length
1-1.2 m (3.3-4 ft)
Range
Philippines

Found a snake like this?

Identify any snake from a photo, free.

Identify a snake

Overview

The Philippine Cobra is endemic to the northern islands of the Philippines, including Luzon.

How to identify it

  • Medium-sized snake, typically 1-1.2 m (3.3-4 ft)
  • Uniform brown, tan, or dark olive coloration, usually without a distinct hood pattern
  • Moderately broad hood when displayed
  • Round pupils and smooth scales
  • Relatively short, stout body for a cobra

Its plain unmarked hood and restricted range in the northern Philippines distinguish it from other Asian cobra species.

Habitat & range

This species inhabits lowland plains, agricultural fields, and grasslands, often near human settlements. It is endemic to the northern Philippines, primarily the island of Luzon, where it is frequently encountered in rice-growing regions.

Behavior, diet & reproduction

It is active both day and night and preys mainly on rodents, frogs, and other small vertebrates. It is egg-laying, with females producing clutches of around 15-30 eggs.

Frequently asked questions

How big does the Philippine Cobra get?

Adults typically reach 1-1.2 m (3.3-4 ft) in length.

Where is the Philippine Cobra found?

It is endemic to the northern Philippines, particularly the island of Luzon.