ExploreReptiles

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
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeambush_predator trait badge
King Cobras

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

Snaps

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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

Ability

Hooded Warning

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

Ability

Egg Architect

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

Ability

Super Sniffer

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

Also known as

HamadryadKing CobraOphiophagus hannah

Collections

Safety

Danger

5/5 · Extreme

If you see a snake, stay calm and walk away. It's best to leave them alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is King Cobras?

300-580 cm

How much does King Cobras weigh?

6-20 kg

How long does King Cobras live?

20-30 years

How fast can King Cobras move?

19 km/h

What does King Cobras eat?

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

Where is King Cobras usually found?

Forests, Grasslands

How does King Cobras hunt?

Pursuit

How many eggs does King Cobras lay?

20-50

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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