King cobra Facts

About the king cobra

Despite the name, it is not a true cobra; it sits in its own genus, Ophiophagus. The record length is 5.85 m (19.2 ft), and it ranks among the heaviest venomous snakes too. It ranges from the Indian subcontinent through Southeast Asia to southern China, yet people rarely see one. Colors vary from black with white bands to plain brownish gray, and those differences may split it into at least four species.

Other snakes are its main prey, even other king cobras, plus the odd lizard or rodent. It is the only snake that builds a nest above ground, and the female guards the eggs until they hatch. When threatened, it spreads its neck flap, raises its head, hisses and may charge. A bite needs fast antivenom, but it usually attacks people only when cornered or surprised.

Did you know?

• The king cobra's scientific name is Ophiophagus hannah.
• The IUCN lists the king cobra as Vulnerable because of habitat destruction.
• Recent research treats the king cobra as a species complex rather than one species.