King Cobras

Ophiophagus

King Cobras are the longest venomous snakes in the world! They can grow up to 18 feet long and are known for their beautiful colors and hooded appearance when they feel threatened.

Habitat: Forests, Grasslands

Appearance

The King Cobra is a very long, slender snake with smooth scales that can range from olive green to black, often with light yellow or cream bands. It has a distinctive, large hood it can flare, making its head appear wider than its body. Its eyes are relatively large with round pupils.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderSerpentesFamilyElapidaeGenusOphiophagus

King Cobras

Interesting facts

King Cobras are the longest venomous snakes on Earth!

Mothers are the only snakes known to build complex nests for eggs!

Their scientific name means 'snake-eater', which is most of their diet!

They can lift their head to eye-level with a tall person!

Special abilities

King Cobras can expand a wide hood because of flexible ribs that helps them look larger and intimidate predators.

King Cobras can build a two-story nest of leaves and dirt because of their strong body that helps them protect their eggs.

King Cobras has a forked tongue that helps them 'taste' the air to find prey and sense danger from afar.

Measurements & details

Length: 300-580 cm
Weight: 6-20 kg
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Top Speed: 19 km/h
Clutch Size: 20-50
Incubation: 60-90 days

Diet & Feeding

These powerful snakes mostly hunt and eat other snakes, including venomous ones!

Primary Foods

other snakes
lizards
monitor lizards
rodents

Foraging Method

Pursuit

Ecological connections

hunts

Oriental Rat Snake

Ptyas mucosa

A common large snake that King Cobras often hunt in their habitat.

hunts

Indian Cobra

Naja naja

King Cobras frequently hunt and eat other venomous cobras.

hunts

Water Monitor

Varanus salvator

Young King Cobras may prey on smaller monitor lizards.

eaten by

Crested Serpent Eagle

Spilornis cheela

Young King Cobras can sometimes be preyed upon by large raptors.

Traits

Solitary

Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.

Colorful

Discover amazing plants and animals that show off a dazzling array of bright and beautiful hues! They use their vibrant colors to attract attention or send signals.

Grassland

These wide-open spaces are covered in grasses, often home to grazing animals and incredible predators! Experience the vastness of the plains.

Ambush Predator

Meet masters of surprise! These clever hunters hide quietly and wait patiently for their prey to come close before pouncing with a quick move.

Forest

These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.

Carnivorous

Discover fierce hunters and clever predators that get all their energy from eating other animals. They play a vital role in keeping nature's balance.

Diurnal

Wake up with creatures that are most active during the day! They love the sunshine for finding food, playing, and exploring.

Keystone Species

Discover the hidden heroes of nature! These special species play an incredibly important role in their habitat, holding the entire ecosystem together like a crucial piece of a puzzle.

Venomous

Be amazed by animals that can inject special substances to defend themselves or catch their food! They deliver their potent dose through a bite or a sting.

Endangered

These are amazing plants and animals that are very rare and face a high risk of disappearing forever. We need to help protect them so future generations can enjoy them too!