King cobras

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) can grow longer than 5 metres, making it the world's longest venomous snake. Its scientific name Ophiophagus means "snake eater". Despite its name, it belongs to a different genus from other cobras. Recent genetic studies suggest king cobras may actually be several species.

Where does it live?

It lives from India through Southeast Asia, from southern China to the Philippines and Indonesia. It prefers rainforests, dense forests, bamboo thickets and the edges of wetlands.

What does it eat?

Its main prey are other snakes such as rat snakes, pythons and other cobras; it sometimes eats lizards. Its powerful neurotoxic venom quickly paralyses prey. After a large meal it can go a long time without eating.

Behaviour and social life

King cobras live alone and usually avoid people. When threatened, it raises the front of its body, spreads its hood and makes a deep, growl-like hiss. This display is often a warning before any strike.

Young

Instead of laying her eggs on the ground, the female builds a nest of leaves and twigs and usually guards it for a time. Hatchlings are venomous and independent.

Conservation status

The king cobra is listed as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List. Deforestation, hunting for skins and traditional medicine, and killing out of fear are the main threats.

Fun facts

• Its venom is very potent, but bites are rare; it usually prefers to escape.
• It can lift its head up to the eye level of a standing adult.
• Snakes smell with their tongues; the forked tongue collects chemical traces from the air.