Cobra is the common name of various venomous snakes , most of which belong to the genus Naja. [1] Many cobras are capable of rearing upwards and producing a hood when threatened. [a] About Cobra Snake Etymologically the word cobra is derived from the Portuguese ‘ cobra de capello’ which connotes ‘hooded snake ’. Even a lay man without any specific knowledge about snakes or reptiles can recognize a cobra for their prideful stance and elegance. This is because Cobra belongs to the family of elapid snakes , most of which belong to the genus Naja. Elapidae is a family of venomous snakes which display the most distinguishing of snake poses, not only the ones used in ... Everything you should know about the Cobra . The Cobra is a venemous snake that rears upwards and flattens its neck into a hood when threatened. The Indian cobra , also called the Asian cobra , binocellate cobra , or spectacled cobra , is one of India’s four venomous snakes with the highest fatality rates, collectively known as the “Big Four”. In 1758, Swedish zoologist Carl Linnaeus first described this species. The term ‘ naja ‘ in their name derives from the Latinized Sanskrit word nāgá meaning “ snake ”. Austrian naturalist and zoologist Josephus Nicolaus Laurenti first described the genus’ naja ‘ in 1768. Later it ...