The Javan Spitting Cobra (Naja sputatrix) is a medium- to large-sized cobra native to Indonesia, particularly Java, Bali, Lombok, and surrounding islands. It typically reaches 1.2 to 1.5 meters in length, though some individuals can exceed 2 meters. The snake is usually brown, gray, or black, sometimes with faint banding or lighter underbellies. Like other spitting cobras, it can eject venom from its fangs toward the eyes of perceived threats with remarkable accuracy. When threatened, it raises the front part of its body, spreads its hood, and may hiss or spit venom defensively.
Javan Spitting Cobra
Naja sputatrix
☠️ Highly venomous
Description
Venomous?
Yes. The Javan Spitting Cobra is highly venomous, with a potent neurotoxic venom that can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, death. Venom sprayed into the eyes can cause intense pain and possible blindness if not treated promptly.
A Danger to Humans?
It is considered defensive rather than aggressive. It usually avoids confrontation but will readily spit venom or bite if threatened or cornered. It poses significant danger to humans, especially when provoked or handled carelessly.
Population Size
Stable
Life Span
-
WEIGHT
30.5 g
LENGTH
1 m – 1.4 m
Ar
Arboreal
Ca
Carnivore
Di
Diurnal
No
Nocturnal
Te
Terrestrial
Classification
KINGDOM
:
Animalia
PHYLUM
:
Chordata
CLASS
:
Reptilia
ORDER
:
Squamata
FAMILY
:
Elapidae
GENUS
:
Naja
SPECIES
:
Naja sputatrix
Distribution
Naja sputatrix is in the lowlands to an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. Its main habitat is rainforest, but can also be found in dry areas. In Bali, it is recorded that there are monsoon forests, savanna and agricultural land in areas with both high and low rainfall, up to an altitude of about 700 m above sea level.
Geography
Continents : Asia
Country : The distribution area of Naja sputatrix is Java, Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, Flores, Komodo, and Alor. There may be small islands between the region.
Habits and Lifestyle
Like other types of cobra, the Naja sputatrix has a self-defense way of raising its head and spreading its neck into a hood or spoon when it is irritated. This snake is also capable of spitting out its venom right into the eye of the intruder. If it gets into the eyes it can cause blindness. Active during the day and night, foraging above ground or climbing trees.
Lifestyle
Terrestrial and Arboreal
Biome
Rain Forest
Climate Zone
Tropical
Diet and Nutrition
Naja sputatrix species actively seek prey during the day and night. Its main diet is rats, other snakes, lizards, and several types of frogs.
Diet : Carnivora
Mating Habits
Naja sputatrix reproduce by laying eggs (ovipar). The breeding season for this species is November. The number of eggs produced is 13 to 19 eggs. The eggs will hatch after being incubated for 88 days. The newly hatched snakes are between 24 and 28 cm long.
Reproduction session : November
Incubation periods : 88 days
Independent age : at birth
Baby name : –
Baby carrying : 13 -19 eggs
Population
Population status : Least Concern (LC)
NE
DD
LC
NT
VU
EN
CR
EW
EX
Population threats
The existence of local trade with the skin of the Naja sputatrix species, possibly this is a threat that can lead to population decline.
Population number
In the IUCN Red List, this species is included in the “least concern” category
PHOTO GALLERY
Reference
- Naja sputatrix Wikipedia article
- Iskandar, D., Auliya, M., Inger, R.F. & Lilley, R. 2012. Naja sputatrix. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T192197A2054180
- McKay, J.L. 2006. Reptil and Amphibi di Bali. Krieger Publishing Company, Florida, USA.