I heard cobras have something special by which they spit and can make a person blind. Is this true and can one distinguish between a cobra and other snakes?

Matthew_07

The cobra's most recognizable feature is its hood, a section of its neck which it can flatten outwards in a threat display to appear larger. Since snakes do not have a sternum they can stretch their ribs outwards which expands the hood. The hood can also carry distinctive markings. The hood of the Asian cobra is proportionately much larger than that of the king cobra and is usually yellow to brown, with a black-and-white spectacle pattern on top and two black and white spots on the lower surface. Most snakes can flatten their necks to some degree; cobras are only more adept. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobra Spitting cobra refers to any one of several species of cobras that have the ability to spit or eject venom from their mouth when defending themselves against predators. The spit venom is harmless to intact skin. However, it can cause permanent blindness if introduced to the eye and left untreated (causing chemosis and corneal swelling). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spitting_cobra Jul 02 08, 5:36 AM