What selective pressure likely favored the evolution of venom spitting over purely defensive displays in the *N. nigricincta* environment?

The frequent presence of large, visually oriented mammalian predators.

The development of spitting as an active, ranged defense mechanism is closely tied to the types of threats present in the snake's ecosystem. The existence of large predators such as mongooses, birds of prey, or primates—creatures that rely heavily on sight—creates a strong selective pressure for defenses that work immediately upon visual detection. Spitting venom into the eyes provides instant incapacitation or deterrence through acute pain, interrupting the predator's attack sequence effectively. This defense is favored in more open or drier habitats where visibility is high and escape paths might be longer, unlike dense environments where a close-range bite might be the only viable recourse.