King Cobra Facts

The King Cobra is a species of elapid snakes, typically characterized by their ability to expand the skin of their neck to form a hood when confronted. Even though it is the longest venomous snake in the world, it is quite agile and one of the most aggressive snake, which doesn't hesitate to take on an elephant either. Its ability to deliver venom in large amounts makes it one of the deadliest snake in the world. This species of snake is not at all shy of human beings, and that explains the popularity of King Cobra facts among the masses.

Interesting King Cobra Facts and Information

The scientific name of King Cobra is Ophiophagus hannah. The name of the genus of reptiles to which the King Cobra belongs - Ophiophagus literally means 'snake eater'. This is one of the prominent trait of this snake species. Even though the snakes belonging to this genus are found in various parts of Asia and Africa, the King Cobra species are predominantly found in Southeast Asia. More of such interesting facts about the King Cobra are given below.

King Cobra Appearance: On an average, a King Cobra can grow up to a length of 12-13 ft, and weigh approximately 13 lbs. However, a specimen as large as 18 ft in length have also been recorded. It generally sports an olive-green or black colored skin, with faint, yellow cross bands, running down the length of its body. This appearance of a King Cobra makes it a delight for the wildlife enthusiasts across the globe.

King Cobra Habitat: The King Cobra population is by and large restricted to Southeast Asia, with India constituting a major share of the same. Studies pertaining to the habitat of King Cobras have revealed that these snakes tend to prefer dense forests, with water bodies in the vicinity. That being said, habitat destruction is one of the major problems being faced by this species today.

King Cobra Diet: The diet of King Cobra consists of different types of snakes, including venomous snake species like the krait, and sizable species like the pythons. Among the various species of snakes, the ratsnake is the most common food of the King Cobra. At times, especially when there is scarcity of food, this snake may also resort to much smaller prey, like lizards and rodents.

King Cobra Venom: Even though the venom of King Cobra is not as potent as that of various other venomous snakes in the world, the amount in which it is delivered makes it quite lethal. It is basically a neurotoxic venom which tends to affect the nervous system, but does have traces of cardiotoxic compounds in it. This venom is injected by the snake using its half inch fangs. The toxic compounds in this venom tends to affect the central nervous system, and eventually causes the death of the individual.

Cool King Cobra Facts for Kids

If the information mentioned above was pertaining to some of the general facts about the King Cobra species, some of the most fascinating ones are given in the King Cobra fact sheet below:

• The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world.
• It is the only snake species which builds a nest to lay eggs.
• On an average, a King Cobra has a lifespan of about 20 years.
• On an average, the female lays around 20-40 eggs, which get hatched after the incubation period of 60-90 days.
• Even the young ones in this species have as much venom as a full-grown adult, thus making them equally dangerous.
• This is the only species of snake with the ability to spit their venom, something that it does with a high degree of accuracy at close range.
• The amount of venom a King Cobra delivers in a single bite is enough to kill an adult elephant.
• Being aggressive in nature, the King Cobra tends to expand its hood and stand its ground when threatened.

These were some of the most interesting King Cobra facts which make this species one of the most sought after members of kingdom Animalia, for amateur wildlife enthusiasts and veterans alike. Amazingly enough, large-scale exploitation by humans and loss of habitat hasn't affected the species on a large scale. The King Cobra snake still continues to be included as a 'Least Concerned' species in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) List.