Naja siamensis Laurenti, 1768

General Build

This is a medium-sized elapid that has a more slender build than most other cobras in the genus Naja.

Base Body Coloration

Its body colour varies from grey to brown to black, with white spots or stripes. White patterning can be so extensive that it covers most of the snake's body.

Geographic Color Variation

A highly distinct black and white colour phase is common in central Thailand; specimens from western Thailand are mostly black, while individuals from other areas are usually brown.

Hood Mark Characteristics

The hood mark may be spectacle-shaped, irregular, or missing entirely, especially in adults.

Adult Length

Adult individuals average between 0.9 to 1.2 metres (3.0 to 3.9 ft) in length, and can rarely reach up to 1.6 metres (5 ft) in length.

Adult Body Mass

Adult body mass tends to be around 1,600 grams.

Similar Species Note

This species should not be confused with the monocled cobra (Naja kaouthia), which shares similar habitat, size and appearance.

Venom Spitting Trait

A key distinguishing feature is that this species is a "true spitter" that readily spits venom. Unlike many other spitting cobras that produce a stream of venom, this species typically ejects venom as a mist.

Typical Spitting Range

The commonly reported spitting range for this species is approximately 1 metre (3.3 ft), the shortest range of any spitting cobra.

Alternative Spitting Observations

However, unpublished work by Wüster notes that N. siamensis spits readily and may have a longer spitting range closer to 2 metres (6.6 ft), and that the venom is released as a stream in this case.

Core Distribution Range

This species is found in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos.

Unconfirmed Distribution Records

It may occur in eastern Myanmar, but no confirmed records of its presence there are known.

Introduced Population

It has been reported in Taiwan, where individuals were released into the wild based on folk Buddhist practices.

Habitat Types

It occupies a wide range of habitats including lowlands, hills, plains, woodland, and jungle.

Human Settlement Association

It is sometimes drawn to human settlements, attracted by the abundant rodent populations living in and around these areas.

Reproductive Mode

This snake is oviparous.

Egg Laying Details

Females lay 13 to 19 eggs 100 days after oviposition. Eggs hatch after 48 to 70 days, with incubation time depending on incubation temperature.

Hatchling Independence

Hatchlings are fully independent immediately after hatching.

Hatchling Size

Most hatchlings measure between 12 to 20 cm long, and some can reach up to 32 cm in length.

Hatchling Caution Note

Because they have fully developed venom delivery systems, hatchlings should be treated with the same caution as adult individuals.