Naja sumatrana Müller, 1887

Species Size

Naja sumatrana is a medium-length cobra species, with an average length between 0.9 to 1.2 metres (3.0 to 3.9 ft), and a maximum recorded length of 1.5 metres (4.9 ft).

Body Shape

Its body is compressed dorsoventrally, and becomes sub-cylindrical toward the posterior end.

Head Morphology

The head is elliptical, depressed, slightly distinct from the neck, with a short rounded snout and large nostrils.

Eye Characteristics

Its eyes are medium-sized, with round pupils.

Dorsal Scales

Dorsal scales are smooth and strongly oblique.

Coloration Overview

This cobra has no markings on its hood, and its coloration varies by geographical location, with two main color phases.

Geographic Color Phases

A yellow form is most common in Thailand and Northern Peninsular Malaysia, while a black form occurs in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and the islands this species inhabits in Indonesia and the Philippines.

Age-Related Coloration

Juveniles and adults of this species also typically have different coloration.

General Distribution

This species is distributed across equatorial Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Distribution in Indonesia

In Indonesia, it is confirmed to live on Sumatra, Borneo, Bangka, Belitung, and the Riau Archipelago. It may also be present on nearby Indonesian islands, and remnant populations could still exist in western Java.

Distribution in the Philippines

In the Philippines, it is only found in the Palawan island group, including the Calamian Islands.

Elevation Range

Naja sumatrana occurs at elevations up to around 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) above sea level, and primarily inhabits primary and secondary tropical forests including dense jungle.

Anthropogenic Habitats

It has also been recorded in gardens, parks, and urban areas, where it may encounter humans.

Activity Pattern

It is a terrestrial, mostly diurnal snake.

Diet

Its diet consists mainly of rodents and frogs, but it will also eat other snakes, lizards, and small mammals.

Aggression Variation

Overall, this species is not overly aggressive, though yellow specimens from Thailand are reported to be highly aggressive, and more likely to spit large quantities of venom without depleting their venom supply.

Defense Behavior

When cornered or threatened, these cobras will readily spit venom even from elevated positions in trees, and will also strike and bite.