World's largest and deadliest spitting cobra identified

Researchers have identified the world's largest and most deadliest known species of spitting cobra.

Named as Ashe's spitting cobra, or large brown spitting cobra, this reptile can reach lengths of more than 9 feet (274 centimeters) and is believed to deliver more venom with a single bite than any other cobra on the planet.

Known to exist in the dry lowlands of north and east Kenya, as well as in Uganda and Ethiopia, the snake was previously identified as a brown-colored variant of the black-necked spitting cobra.

other variants of the black-necked spitting cobra fought harder when handled and took longer to settle down in captivity. Also, once these snakes were placed in cages, they became picky eaters.

But the 'Ashe's cobra' was less resistant to handling, generally less alert, less picky and were much bigger than the black necked spitting cobra.

The new finding might prove to be of significance for residents along Kenya's Indian Ocean coast, who are at risk of being bitten by the new cobra.

Though the venom of the new species of the cobra is similar to the species it was previously grouped with, it can deliver about twice the amount of venom with a single bite.