Home > Snakes > Chinese Cobra

Chinese Cobra

Chinese cobras are a medium-sized, highly poisonous species of cobra snakes belonging to the Elapidae family, occurring in southern China and in some neighboring countries and islands. They are terrestrial, diurnal and crepuscular. They are known to be very aggressive and alert.

Scientific Classification
Quick Information

Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Chordata
Class	Reptilia
Order	Squamata
Suborder	Serpentes
Family	Elapidae
Genus	Naja
Scientific Name	Naja atra

Other Names	Taiwan cobra
Length	Around 1.2 to 1.5m; largest specimen recorded is 2m
Color	Brown, gray or black dorsal color with or without narrow diagonal lines at irregular intervals; the upper head is same as dorsal color with side being lighter; some specimens has white, yellow or brown dorsal color, white to light gray non-uniform scattered crosslines may appear along the upper body and the hood may contain a marking of spectacle; white to light gray or light orange ventral head and neck
Distribution	Southeastern China, Hong Kong, northern Laos, northern Vietnam, Taiwan
Habitat	Woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, mangroves
Diet	Rodents, frogs, toads, fish, other snakes
Hibernation Fact	Hibernates during winter months
Venom Fact	Highly venomous (consists of neurotoxins and cardiotoxins)
Breeding Season	March – May
Mode of Reproduction	Oviparous (egg laying)
Clutch Size	6 to 23 eggs
IUCN Conservation Status	Vulnerable