The Indian cobra, also known commonly as the spectacled cobra, Asian cobra, or binocellate cobra, is a species of cobra, a venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to the Indian subcontinent, and is a member of the “big four” species that are responsible for the most snakebite cases in India. The Indian cobra is a moderately sized, heavy-bodied species. This cobra species can easily be identified by its relatively large and quite impressive hood, which it expands when threatened. This hood mark is located at the rear side hood. When the hood mark is present, it consists of two circular ocelli patterns connected by a curved line. The majority of adult specimens range from 1 to 1.5m in length. Some specimens, particularly those from Sri Lanka, may grow to lengths of 2.1 to 2.2m.
The Indian cobra’s venom mainly contains a powerful post-synaptic neurotoxin and cardiotoxin. The venom acts on the synaptic gaps of the nerves, thereby paralyzing muscles, and in severe bites leading to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest. The venom components include enzymes such as hyaluronidase that cause lysis and increase the spread of the venom. Envenomation symptoms may manifest between fifteen minutes and two hours following the bite.
Systematic position
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