What visual characteristic defines the adult appearance of the subspecies *Naja n. woodi*?
Answer
Solid matte black
The subspecies *Naja n. woodi*, sometimes referred to as the Woods Black Spitting Cobra, is specifically characterized by having an adult coloration that is entirely solid matte black. This provides a strong visual distinction from its counterpart, *N. n. nigricincta*, which displays prominent barring. While juveniles of *N. n. woodi* exhibit a grey body, their head remains distinctly solid black, further separating them from similar species like *N. n. nigricollis*. This solid black morphology serves as a key diagnostic trait for identifying this particular Southern African population.
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