King cobra

The longest venomous snake in the world

The king cobra grows up to 5 metres — as long as two adults! To scare an enemy it raises a third of its body, spreads its 'hood' and 'growls' like a dog. One bite is enough to kill an elephant. But it avoids people. The king cobra is the only snake that builds a nest for its eggs and guards it.

The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the longest venomous snake (up to 5.5 m), living in the forests of South and South-East Asia. Its scientific name means 'snake-eater' — it feeds mainly on other snakes. Its venom is neurotoxic, up to 7 ml per bite (enough for 20 people), but it rarely attacks humans — it can even deliver a venom-free 'warning' bite. Unlike true cobras (Naja) it is in its own genus. The female builds a nest of leaves and guards 20–40 eggs for 2 months. A 2021 genetic study proposed splitting it into 4 species. It is sacred in India; snake charmers rely on movement, not music — snakes are deaf.

Fun facts

• A king cobra raises a third of its body and looks an adult in the eye.
• Snakes are deaf — a cobra watches the charmer's movement, not the music.
• The king cobra is the only snake that builds a nest for its eggs.