Cobra.

Cobra. Class Reptilia Order Serpentes Family Elapidae Range Africa and southern Asia as far as the Philippines. Habitat Various warm-climate habitats, on land, in trees, and in water. Size Largest: King cobras grow up to 5.5 m (18 ft) long Smallest: Ringhals and Mozambique spitting cobras usually measure less than 1.2 m (4 ft). Feeding Cobras are carnivores; they feed on lizards, fish, frogs, and other snakes. All species inject their prey with venom and swallow the Habits animal whole once it is dead. Offspring After mating, female cobras lay eggs in a sheltered spot. The young snakes hatch and seek food independently. Life Span About 20 years in captivity. Did You Know One gram of cobra venom is potent enough to kill more than 50 people. Black-necked cobras can spit venom toward enemies up to 2.5m (8 ft) away. The king cobra is the world's longest poisonous snake, growing up to 5.5 m (18 ft). The cobra extends its hood by spreading the ribs in its neck. Cobras cannot retract their fangs as vipers can. Microsoft ® Encarta ® 2009. © 1993-2008 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.