Mozambique Spitting Cobra

One of Africa's most medically important spitting cobras. Frequently encountered near people.

FamilyElapidae

GenusNaja

RegionAfricaSouthern Africa, East Africa

Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY-SA 2.0

Mozambique Spitting Cobra

Photo: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE · Source: Wikimedia Commons · License: CC BY-SA 2.0

Mozambique Spitting Cobra

Danger Score

Final Danger Score

Venom Core

Lethality weighted 55% (potency × yield). Clinical weighted 45% (real-world CFR).

0.55 × 67 + 0.45 × 5260.3

Modifiers

Multiplicative scalers - amplify or reduce existing danger, can't create it from nothing.

× Speed (1.01)60.9

× Delivery (1.00)60.9

× Encounter (0.96)58.4

Speed = antivenom window. Delivery = fang efficiency. Encounter = exposure × temperament.

Score58

Venom Profile

Type

NeurotoxicAffects the nervous system; disrupts nerve-muscle communication and can cause paralysis or respiratory failure.,CytotoxicDestroys cells and damages tissue; can cause permanent tissue damage and disfigurement.

Venom Yield

High

Venom Speed

Quick

Delivery Method

Fixed front fangs

Potency (SC Equivalent)

0.800mg/kg LD50

Max Dry Yield

120mg dry

Clinical Severity

Fatality (Untreated)

5-15%

WHO Importance

Cat. 1

Local Effects

Pain at bite site, Swelling, Severe eye irritation (from spit), Tissue damage, Severe limb swelling and pressure

Neurological

Drooping eyelids, Difficulty breathing

Gastrointestinal

Nausea or vomiting

Causes of Death

Respiratory failure