Spectacled Cobra
Naja naja
One of India's 'Big Four' medically significant snakes, famous for the spectacle-shaped mark on its raised hood.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1-1.5 m (3.3-5 ft), rarely to 2.2 m
- Range
- Indian subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal)
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Overview
The Spectacled Cobra is among the most iconic snakes of South Asia, deeply woven into regional folklore, religion, and snake-charming traditions. It is one of the four species responsible for the majority of snakebite incidents in India.
It is highly adaptable, thriving in agricultural land, villages, and urban edges as well as forests, largely because these habitats support abundant rodent populations.
How to identify it
- Hood displays a paired 'spectacle' or monocle-shaped marking on the dorsal side when expanded
- Body color ranges from pale yellow-brown to dark brown or black
- Smooth scales, rounded head barely distinct from neck
- Round pupils
- Adults typically 1-1.5 m
- Distinguished from the monocled cobra by the two-eye 'spectacle' pattern versus a single 'O' mark
Habitat & range
Found across the Indian subcontinent from sea level to about 2,000 m, in habitats ranging from dense forest and open farmland to villages, termite mounds, and rock piles near human settlements.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Active at dusk and night, though sometimes seen by day. Raises its forebody and spreads its hood when threatened, often hissing loudly. Feeds on rodents, frogs, and other snakes. Egg-laying, with females guarding clutches.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Spectacled Cobra dangerous?
Yes, it is venomous and one of the species most often responsible for snakebite cases on the Indian subcontinent.
How can I tell it apart from the Monocled Cobra?
The Spectacled Cobra usually shows a double-circle 'spectacle' hood mark, while the Monocled Cobra shows a single round mark.
Where does it live?
Across India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, in a wide range of habitats including farmland and villages.
What does it eat?
Mainly rodents, along with frogs, toads, and occasionally other snakes.
Spectacled Cobra guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Spectacled Cobra.
