King Cobra

Ophiophagus hannah

Geographical Locale

Image of King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) | Rentokil Malaysia
  • This species can be found throughout south-eastern Asia, Pakistan and India.

Appearance

  • Large powerfully-built snake.
  • Average length and weight: respectively 3.6-4 m and about 6 kg.
  • Olive-green-, tan-, or black-coloured with pale yellow cross bands along the body.
  • Underbelly may be pale yellow or cream.
  • The head of full-grown snake can be massive and bulky in appearance.
  • King Cobra has proteroglyph dentition - two short, fixed fangs in the front of the jaw channeling venom into the prey.
  • The male is much larger than the female.

Venom

  • Venom is primarily neurotoxic (it attacks the victim's central nervous system and immediately causes severe pain, blurred vision, vertigo, drowsiness, and finally paralysis and death).

Lifecycle

  • The mating season for the King Cobra is January.
  • Having laid up to 50 eggs female coils atop them and remains there throughout the 60-80 day incubation period.
  • Hatchlings are 45-50 cm long and banded in black and white

Habits

  • Generally the King Cobra's diet is composed of other snakes but may also feed on other small animals (lizards, birds, and rodents).
  • Prefers avoiding confrontation with humans as often as possible.
  • A diurnal species.
  • Capable of flattening its upper body by spreading its ribs and forming the distinctive 'hood' about its neck.