The rinkhals (/ˈrɪŋk(h)æls/; Hemachatus haemachatus), also known as the ringhals /ˈrɪŋhæls/[4] or ring-necked spitting cobra,[5] is a species of venomous snake in the family Elapidae.

While rinkhals bear a great resemblance to true cobras, they also possess some remarkable differences from these, resulting in their placement outside the genus Naja.

[7] Colouration varies throughout its distribution area, but a characteristic of the species is the belly is dark with one or two light-coloured crossbands on the throat.

[10] Since the rinkhals has a natural propensity to eat frogs and toads, they can also commonly be found near wetlands in its range.

[12] The rinkhals will most commonly eat toads in the wild, but it has also been recorded to consume rodents and other small vertebrates like lizards.

[10] Rinkhals usually give birth in the late summer, which in the southern hemisphere corresponds to the months ranging from December to March.

[6] General symptoms of drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, violent abdominal pain, cramps and vertigo often occur, as does a mild pyrexial reaction.

[13] Corneal damage can occur if left untreated, although timely first aid and eye-washing will usually lead to recovery after a few days.

[8]A polyvalent antivenom is currently being developed by the Universidad de Costa Rica's Instituto Clodomiro Picado.