Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

I've just got back from a holiday in Thailand. While trekking in the north-west (near Mae Hong Son) I saw two snakes which I managed to photograph. I'd be interested to know if I've identified them correctly and any further information about them would be much appreciated.

First one I think is a Siamese Russell's Viper. This one was a baby, pretty small, but I got a great picture of it on a stick held by our guide:

The second one, I think is a Siamese Cobra. I didn't dare get too close as it was pretty big (maybe 1.5m) and was hissing at us. Also, our guide said it was very poisonous. Not such a good picture:

Any information on these 2 pics would be great.

Thanks,

Will

I am not an expert on cobras so I will pass on that.

The first snake however is Boiga multomaculata. Nice shot of a vereticl threat pose.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

The cobra is definitely that. Couldn't tell you exactly which subspecies, but Siamese cobra seems right, from that region.
You were wise to not mess with it. Not that it was a threat to you as long as you showed it the respect that you did, but losing respect is what causes most bites.

~~Greg~~

Will,

The first looks like Boiga multomaculata the Marbled Cat Snake, It is certainly not a Russell's Viper Daboia russellii siamensis.

The second is definatly a Cobra, I am 99% sure its Naja kaouthia the Monocled Cobra (the twin spots on the throat is mentioned in some species diagonosis).

Regards,
Scott Eipper

The cobra is a monocellate cobra, Naja kaouthia. This i actually a very interesting locality record, as practically all previous cobra records from North Thailand are for Naja siamensis, not Naja kaouthia. The crisp, well-defined thorot pattern is characteristic for N. kaouthia, that of N. siamensis is normally more washed out.

Any info on surrounding habitat, altitude etc.?

Cheers,

WW
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