Naja oxiana, commonly referred to as the Central Asian cobra, is a snake species native to Iran and other parts of the Transcaspian region. The medium-sized snake has a dorso-ventrally and sub-cylindrical compressed posterior. It has long cervical ribs that expand to form a hood. The species head is depressed, elliptical and slightly different from the neck. The nostrils are large while the snout is short and rounded. It has smooth and strongly oblique dorsal scales. Juveniles are paler than adults with noticeable crossbars. |