Cobra ( Naja tripudians )

Venomous and abundant snake of India, where more than 5,000 deaths result annually from its bite; it is venerated as especially under the protection of Buddha. Proteroglyphs, flattening the neck, forming a wide hood, on the back of which are peculiar "spectacle" marks; this feature and the general coloration are subject to great diversity. The poison, even from a scratch, is rapidly fatal if the wound be not immediately cut out or cauterized, and sucked. If one of a pair is killed, the mate soon appears to avenge its death. They are ovoviparous, they take to the water readily, and are most active at night.