American spitting cobra (SciiFii)

The American spitting cobra (Allohemachatus nigera) is a species of venomous elapid, more closely related to true cobras (Naja) than the rinkhals (Hemachatus haemachatus), despite its name, that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across North America to help boost biodiversity. Colouration varies throughout its distribution area, but a characteristic of the species is the belly is dark with one or two light-coloured crossbands on the throat. Their average length is 90–110 centimeters (2.9-3.6 feet). Some individuals may have a mostly black body, while others are striped. American spitting cobra scales are distinct from those of Naja cobras in that they are ridged and keel-like. The American spitting cobra has a varied diet. Its main prey is toads, but it also eats small mammals, amphibians, and other reptiles. If distressed, the American spitting cobra spreads its hood, showing its distinctive, striped neck. It is a spitting cobra, hence its name, and can spray its venom up to 2.5 meters. Its spitting mechanism is primitive and it has to rear up and fling its body forward to spray its venom. It is also known to fake death by rolling onto its back with its mouth agape. The venom of the American spitting cobra is neurotoxic and partially cytotoxic, and is less viscous than that of other North American elapids. When confronting a human, it generally aims its venom at the face. If the venom gets injected, it causes great amount of pain due to the cytotoxic effect. The following symptoms includes swelling, bruising, drowsiness, slight abdominal pain, cramps, and vertigo. If the venom enters the eyes, it causes great pain. However, the blinding effect is temporary and the blindness can last a few hours, usually between 1-3 hours. Unlike the venom of rinkhals, the American spitting cobra's venom does not cause nausea, vomiting, or severe abdominal pain, and its venom is almost never life-threatening. American spitting cobras are unique amongst American cobras in being ovoviviparous. They give birth to 25–65 live young, but as many as 95 young have been recorded. The conservation status of the American spitting cobra is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the American spitting cobra's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii