King Cobra
Ophiophagus hannah
- Where
- Southeast Asia & India
- Habitat
- Tropical rainforests and bamboo forests
- Diet
- Small mammals, birds, lizards, and other snakes (including venomous species)
- Size
- Up to 18.8 feet (5.7 meters) in length
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 years captive
- Conservation
- Listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss, hunting for food or snake trade, and human conflict
Fun Facts
- The King Cobra can raise its head off the ground to look over tall grass.
- It's immune to its own venom and some other snake venoms.
- King Cobras are known for their intelligence - they've been observed solving problems.
Learn More
Black with white or yellowish crossbands on its body, often with a distinctive hood when threatened.
Has heat-sensing pits between its eyes and nostrils to detect warm-blooded prey.
Can flare out its neck skin like a fan to appear larger.