The Caspian Cobra (Naja oxiana) is a medium-sized venomous snake, and reptile, in the Elapidae family. It is an elapid. It is also called the Central Asian Cobra, the Ladle Snake, the Oxus Snake, or the Russian Snake.
The Caspian Cobra has an elliptical, hooded head with medium-sized eyes that have round pupils. It is light-brown to chocolate-brown or yellowish. It has several dark bands under its throat.
It grows to about 100 centimetres (39 inches) long.
It is native to Central Asia, in countries such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, north-eastern Iran, and northern Pakistan.
It prefers arid and semi-arid areas, rocky or stony scrublands, and foothills.
The Caspian Cobra is aggressive and will spread its hooded neck when provoked. However, it does not spit venom. It is a good climber and swimmer.
It feeds on small mammals, frogs, toads, and small birds.
The Caspian Cobra is oviparous. The female lays 16-33 eggs, which hatch after 55-73 days.
[Location of photographs: Tashkent Zoo, Uzbekistan]
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM