page_title: Forest cobra
section_title: Reproduction
hierarchical_section_title: Forest cobra / Behavior / Reproduction
caption_attribution_description: English: A young forest cobra (Naja melanoleuca)
context_page_description: The forest cobra, also commonly called the black cobra and the black and white-lipped cobra, is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae. The species is native to Africa, mostly the central and western parts of the continent. It is the largest true cobra species with a record length of 3.2 metres Although it prefers lowland forest and moist savanna habitats, this cobra is highly adaptable and can be found in drier climates within its geographical range. It is a very capable swimmer and is often considered to be semi-aquatic. The forest cobra is a generalist in its feeding habits, having a highly varied diet: anything from large insects to small mammals and other reptiles. This species is alert, nervous and is considered to be a very dangerous snake. When cornered or molested, it will assume the typical cobra warning posture by raising its fore body off the ground, spreading a narrow hood, and hissing loudly. Bites to humans are less common than from other African cobras due to various factors, though a bite from this species is a life-threatening emergency.
context_section_description: This is an oviparous species. In the summer, females will lay between 11 and 26 smooth white eggs, each roughly 30 to 60 millimetres (1.2 to 2.4 inches). The eggs stick together in a bunch. The eggs are laid in hollow trees, termite mounds, holes in the ground or females will make their own nests. Before mating, a pair of will "dance", raising their heads a foot or more off the ground and moving to and fro. This may continue for an hour before mating takes place, when the male presses his cloaca (the chamber into which the reproductive, urinary, and intestinal canals empty) against that of the female. Female forest cobras may stand guard and are irritable and aggressive during the breeding period. A female is liable to attack without provocation, with potentially fatal consequences for passers-by if her nest is near a footpath. Hatchlings are born completely independent and are usually 22 to 25 centimetres (8.7 to 9.8 inches) in length. Although some sources claim that hatchlings may measure up to  47 centimetres (19 inches) Incubation period is anywhere from 55 to 70 days (or over 80 days in one captive study) at temperatures of 27–30 °C (81–86 °F). These snakes are known to have a long lifespan. One captive specimen lived for 28 years, which is the record for the longest lived venomous snake in captivity. Another specimen held at the Melbourne Zoo in Australia turned 35 on September 1, 2014.
caption: A young forest cobra
exif: {}