Which cobra species is named for the circular marking on its hood?

The monocled cobra is named for the circular, eye-like marking on its hood.

Its scientific name is Naja kaouthia. When threatened, it spreads the ribs and skin in the neck to form a hood, revealing a pattern that commonly resembles a single large circular mark. The marking gives the species its English common name, although patterns vary among individuals and populations.

The monocled cobra is native to parts of South and Southeast Asia. It is a medically important venomous snake, and its venom can cause severe effects, including damage to nervous tissue and, in some cases, local tissue injury.

It is often confused with the Indian cobra, Naja naja, which usually has a spectacle-shaped hood marking. Both are members of the genus Naja, but hood patterns, range and species identity distinguish them.