Dried Mozambique Spitting Cobra Venom!
Congratulations to everyone who got the correct answer and thanks for all the other “inventive” guesses.
When I release captured snakes I usually place them in front of my GoPro to record the event. This small Cobra mistook the camera lens for an eye and targeted its venom accordingly (The picture shows her in “mid-spit”). Full marks for hitting the target 🙂 This was an excellent demonstration why it is very important to always wear protective goggles when dealing with a Spitting Cobra or any “unidentified” snake. Better safe than sorry.
These snakes are generally nervous and highly strung. When confronted at close quarters they spread their long narrow hoods and will readily “spit” in defense. By doing this the venom can be ejected at a distance of 2–3 metres (6½-10 feet), with remarkable accuracy. When in a confined area like a tube these reptiles might bite instead of spit.