Besides yellow, what colors can individuals of the *Naja nivea* exhibit?

Answer

Brown, tan, reddish-brown, or jet black

The Yellow Cobra is widely recognized for possessing one of the most variable color patterns found among African cobras, meaning the common name only partially reflects its appearance. While yellow phases are indeed present and common, especially within the Cape Province, individuals across its range display a remarkable spectrum of hues. These variations include solid shades of brown, lighter tan, deeper reddish-brown, and even completely jet black individuals. Furthermore, although less common than these uniform patterns, some snakes can display visible banding. This color polymorphism is crucial for effective signaling and camouflage depending on the specific local background, such as lighter snakes blending into sandy Karoo terrain.

Besides yellow, what colors can individuals of the *Naja nivea* exhibit?

#Videos

Cape Cobra (Naja nivea) | Herping South Africa - Montagu - YouTube

Related Questions

What does the scientific name *Naja nivea*'s specific epithet *nivea* translate to?What two main classes of toxins comprise the potent venom of the Cape Cobra?Besides yellow, what colors can individuals of the *Naja nivea* exhibit?Which southern African regions are noted habitats for the Cape Cobra?What primary venom delivery method does the Cape Cobra typically use over spitting?What primary food source do Cape Cobras often prey upon near human dwellings?What is the commonly observed length range for adult Cape Cobra specimens?How does the *Naja nivea* behavior shift in the scorching Karoo summer heat?In terms of raw lethality measured by $ ext{LD}_{50}$ value, how does the Yellow Cobra's venom compare to the Black Mamba's?What is the current IUCN Red List conservation status for the *Naja nivea*?
venomanimalreptilesnakecobra