Reptiles >> Squamata >> Elapidae >> King Cobras

King Cobra - Ophiophagus hannah

© 2019, Brandon Cornett | All rights reserved

Among humans, the king cobra inspires both fascination and fear. It is also the subject of countless myths and misconceptions. In this tutorial, we will examine the facts relating to this impressive serpent.

Species summary: The king cobra is a large venomous snake native to India, Southeast Asia, the Philippines and southern parts of China. The scientific name of this snake is Ophiophagus hannah.

The king cobra is the member of a monotypic genus. That means it is the only species within the genus Ophiophagus. Most of the other cobras are members of the Naja genus.

The king cobra is a cannibalistic species that will readily eat other snakes in the wild, including members of its own genus. This snake is highly venomous and dangerous to humans. Fortunately, it is not especially aggressive unless provoked or threatened in some way.

The king cobra got its "royal" name for a very good reason. It is a formidable predator, a snake-eating snake, and a true marvel of nature. It is the largest venomous snake in the world, reaching lengths of 16 - 18 feet.

Scientific Classification of the King Cobra

Order - Squamata

Family - Elapidae

Genus - Ophiophagus

Species - Ophiophagus hannah

Quick Stats

Range - Most of Southeast Asia: India, Southern China, Philippines, etc.

Habitat - Bamboo thickets, fields, the edges of forests

Size - Adults can grow up to 18' in length; the longest venomous snake

Diet - Primarily other snakes

Offspring - King cobras lay eggs

Items of Interest

The king cobra has a broad, flat head covered by large scales. This snake is usually tan, olive-brown or black in color, sometimes with light-colored bands. The belly is usually a cream or yellowish color.

The king cobra is the longest living venomous snake, reaching adult lengths up to 18 feet! It is an agile, quick-moving snake, but it will usually retreat when threatened. If "cornered" or harassed, the king cobra will rise up and extend its famous "hood."

The king cobra emits a powerful neurotoxin (a toxin that affects the central nervous system). A single bite from this snake has the toxic capacity to kill a human. As you might imagine, the king cobra's venom quickly and easily overpowers the nervous systems of the other snakes that make up the king cobra's preferred diet.

Not a "Naja" Cobra

There are many interesting facts about the king cobra snake, and classification is one of those things. Though the king cobra is obviously a cobra, it is not a member of the Naja genus to which "true" cobras below. The Naja genus includes the Egyptian cobra, the monocled cobra, a variety of spitting cobras and others. But that genus does not include the king cobra, which is part of the genus Ophiophagus.

Pictures of the King Cobra

A picture says a thousand words. So I've compiled a series of king cobra pictures for your viewing enjoyment. These photos also reinforce some of the information presented in this fact sheet.



Here's a close-up photo of the snake's head. Note the large scales covering the head. This specimen is a lighter color, sort of a slate gray.



Another close-up photo, but of a different specimen.



Here is a picture of a darker king cobra specimen. Note the lighter bands that run the length of its body. You can see the cream-colored belly we discussed earlier, as well. The snake's eye is reflecting the flash of the camera.

This picture on the right shows the classic defense posture of the king cobra. I've cropped the "snake charmer" out of the photo, so you can focus on the snake itself.

What's important to note about this photo is how much larger the snake seems, when compared to the other pictures where it is more relaxed. This is a classic representation of "defense through deception."

When threatened or cornered these snakes will raise up off the ground, spread their hood (made up of vertebrae), and hiss loudly. This will send most would-be predators in the other direction.

If the threat display fails, the king cobra will strike to defend itself.

Frequently Asked Questions About the King Cobra

Some of this material has been covered previously. But I thought it would be helpful to list the information in Q&A format as well. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the king cobra snakes:

What color is the king cobra?

These snakes are variable in their coloration. Sometimes they have a black or olive-brown base color. Some have a lighter tan base color. As with most snakes, the belly is a lighter color, usually a yellowish cream color. Some specimens have lighter-colored bands running the length of their bodies. Refer to the king cobra pictures above.

How big is the king cobra?

This snake is long and slender. It is unique for its length, not its girth. It is the longest venomous snake in the world. There is some debate over the longest specimen ever recorded. Some sources mention a king cobra that was more than 5 meters (16 1/2 feet). Other sources mention a specimen at the London Zoo that grew to more than 18 feet in length. The average length is closer to 12 feet -- still much longer than other venomous snakes.

Where does the king cobra live?

These snakes are native to parts of Asia and India. They can be found in the Philippines and in the more southern parts of China, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. That is the snake's native range. As for its habitat, the king cobra is usually found in dense forests that give access to bodies of water. This species prefers a humid habitat, as opposed to an arid one. They can often be found hunting by the water's edge, where other snakes (the cobra's prey) are more common.

How fast are these snakes?

It is difficult to measure the true speed of a snake in motion. For one thing, they do not travel in a straight line when moving at top speed, as most animals do. They move their bodies from side to side as they go forward, in order to find traction on rocks, sticks, leaf litter, and the natural protrusions of the earth. An adult human could easily outrun a king cobra.

With that being said, the snake's strike can be so fast as to be a blur. Being such a long and powerful snake (averaging around 12 feet in length), they can lunge forward and strike much farther than other venomous snakes. This is especially true when their bodies are raised off the ground in the classic king cobra defense posture.

Does it have any predators?

Due to its size, this snake has few natural predators. Many are killed by humans, either directly or through habitat destruction. Mongooses and birds of prey can also kill these snakes. When threatened, the cobra will raise its body, spread its hood, and hiss loudly. This is sometimes enough to scare away even the most persistent mongoose. When this performance fails, the snake will become the mongoose's dinner.

What does the king cobra eat?

This snake's scientific name Ophiophagus means "snake eater" in Latin ("ophio" referring to snakes, and "phagus" meaning to eat). It lives up to the name. It will eat any other snake it comes across in the wild, including other king cobras. While it seems to prefer eating snakes, it will also feed on lizards, birds and rodents when necessary.

Does it lay eggs or give live birth?

Some snakes lay eggs, while others give birth to live young. This king cobra is oviparous, which means it lays eggs. A reptile's litter is referred to as a clutch. A king cobra can produce a clutch of up to 40 eggs at one time. The female usually makes a nest of leaves and soil, and then deposits the eggs into the next.

There isn't much parenting in the snake world. The male and female will guard the eggs until they hatch. But after that, the babies must fend for themselves. Fortunately, they have everything they need to survive. A baby king cobra is just as venomous as an adult specimen.

How strong is the venom?

King cobra venom is a marvel of nature in its own right. It is a potent neurotoxin (primarily) that affects the central nervous system of the snake's prey. The venom is delivered through glands on either side of the snake's head. These glands are connected to hollow fangs, which are used to inject the venom. It can cause paralysis and respiratory failure, resulting in death. The venom also helps the snake digest its meals. So it is a dual-purpose survival tool.

A single bite can deliver a large amount of venom, enough to kill an adult human. But the bites are not always fatal to humans. It depends on the amount of venom that is delivered. Despite common belief, the king cobra is not the most venomous snake in the world. There are other species much more venomous, such as the inland taipan and many of the sea snakes.

The Wonder of Venomous Snakes

Venomous snakes have long been vilified by the popular media. They are often depicted as aggressive, insidious creatures that seek to harm humans. Nothing could be further from the truth. They are merely animals trying to survive. They have been endowed with a certain weapon to help them survive, just like falcons have incredible eyesight and sharks have incredible speed.

The king cobra has a highly specialized saliva that we know as venom. It uses this venom to kill its prey. The bite of this snake is indeed dangerous to humans. So too are the teeth of a lion and the tentacles of box jellyfish. But the mere presence of a dangerous characteristic does not make for malicious intent. All of these animals would just as soon avoid human contact. Venomous snakes such as the king cobra should be admired for the natural wonders they are. They should not be vilified or personified.

References Used for This Fact Sheet

Mattison, C., The New Encyclopedia of Snakes, Princeton University Press, 2007.

Whitaker, R. and Captain, A., Snakes of India, The Field Guide, Draco Books, 2004.

Zhao, E. and Adler, K., Herpetology of China, Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, 1993.last