Head Scale
Head elliptical, depressed, slightly distinct from neck with short, rounded snout and large nostrils.
Eyes moderate in size with
round pupils.
The Philippine cobra is a stocky snake of medium length with long cervical ribs capable of expanding,
so when threatened,
a hood can be formed. The average length of this species is 1.0 metre (3.3 ft).
Fairly stockily built. Pattern: adults uniformly light or medium brown, occasionally some lighter
variegations; juveniles
dark brown, with lighter variegations, sometimes a dark band behind the throat. Scalation: 23-27
(usually 25) scale rows
around neck, 21 (rarely 23) just ahead of mid-body; 182-193 ventrals, 36-49 subcaudals, basal pairs sometimes undivided.
Skin Scale
Color above light brown to olive brown, below lighter cream to
yellowish brown, without any distinctive dark bands or other
markings anteriorly; scales in 23–25 longitudi- nal rows around
neck, 21 longitudinal rows at midbody, and 15 just before the vent
(scale row reduction: 23[25]–21–15); ventrals 181–191; subcaudals 38–47
Fang
The fangs of Naja philippinensis, like those of other cobras, are
hollow and are connected to venom glands. When the snake bites,
muscles surrounding the venom glands contract, forcing venom through
the hollow fangs and into the target. Cobra venom typically contains
a combination of neurotoxins, cytotoxins, and other enzymes that can
cause a variety of effects on the victim's nervous
and cardiovascular
systems.
Diet
Philippine cobras are carnivores. They feed predominantly on small mammals,
frogs, and even other snakes.
Small rodents such as mice and small rats are their preferred prey and make
up the majority of their diets.
However, they will also eat small lizards,
eggs, and when the opportunity
arises, small birds.