Anonymous asked:
fuckyeahherpetology answered:
Neck flattening is one of the most common defense mechanisms in snakes. And you’re right, it’s not limited to cobras at all! It’s common because it’s a defense that works, and the goal is to make themselves appear bigger and thus more intimidating to predators. Sometimes this can be paired with warning patterns and coloring that are displayed on the hood, as well. They’re able to do it by having super flexible elongated ribs on the upper ¼ of their body. Their strong muscles will flatten the ribs out easily. If you’ve ever held an adult hognose or false cobra, you can feel the loose skin and flexible ribs of their neck.
Most true cobras (Naja) have an impressive rounded hood whereas snouted cobras (also Naja) and king cobras (not a true cobra) have sleeker elongated hoods. There are some snakes that hood to the side like Hydrodynastes (false water cobras), hognoses, and even Storeria (little harmless brown snakes). Some snakes will show off colorful patterns when they hood (bronzebacks, it can be even be blue!). Many snakes will do similar neck displays to look bigger like puffing, as well. These snakes can puff up their throats greatly when disturbed. (Spilotes, Ptyas, Gonyostoma).
Tiger keelbacks are thought to maybe hood when distressed to also aid their poison gland secretion in their necks (they are venomous AND poisonous!) as well as to expose the warning red checkering hidden under the scales.
cucumber-s
