King Cobra
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the longest venomous snake, reaching about 4 to 5.5 meters, and lives in forests of India and Southeast Asia. It is not a true cobra of the genus Naja, and it is listed as Vulnerable.
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the longest venomous snake, reaching about 4 to 5.5 meters, and lives in forests of India and Southeast Asia. It is not a true cobra of the genus Naja, and it is listed as Vulnerable.
🧬 Field Guide Specimen: Open King Cobra in the CRV Science Field Guide to log the specimen, see its place among the Reptilia lineages in the Cladogram Explorer, and test your recall in the Red List conservation game.
A Snake That Eats Snakes
The scientific name means "snake eater". King cobras hunt other snakes, including pythons and venomous species, and use a potent neurotoxic venom delivered in large quantity. They can raise the front third of the body off the ground in a threat display with a spread hood and low growl.
A Nesting Snake
The female is the only snake known to build a nest, which she assembles from leaves and debris and guards until the eggs are about to hatch.
Threats
Deforestation, persecution and collection for skins and the pet trade have caused population declines. Antivenom is made from the venom of the snake.
King Cobra at a Glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Ophiophagus hannah |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Suborder | Serpentes |
| Field Guide group | Reptilia (Reptiles) |
| Diagnostic feature (Field Guide) | Elongated rib-spreading neck hood, proteroglyphous front fangs delivering neurotoxins. |
| IUCN Red List status | Vulnerable (VU), assessed 2012 |
| Length | About 4 to 5.5 meters |