ophiophagus hannah
- This is the largest venomous snake in the world - not to say that they have the most deadly venom, but they inject amounts that would be lethal to a full-grown elephant, or about a dozen adult humans, all in one bite or in multiple 'chewings' as it holds on to its prey. The King Cobra can reach 18 feet (over 5 meters) in length and can move with its head upright It can stand over five feet high (one-third of its length). It can spray venom and likely will aim for the eyes/face of its prey.
The range of the King Cobra includes India, the Phillipines, Malaysia, southeast Asia and southern China. They live in heavy- forested areas and feed on other venomous snakes in addition to lizards and frogs. The female actually builds a nest to deposit her eggs in and watches the nest until the babies hatch. The young are able to hunt for prey almost immediatly from hatching.
Due to it's secretive and cautious nature, King Cobras are seldom seen. The world-wide death rate from bites is two or three, considerably less than other venomous species. They would rather flee than fight, but are swift and aggressive when provoked.
The King Cobra is a sacred symbol in many cultures.
The King Cobra is listed in the C.I.T.E.S. II appendix of endangered species.
Photo © and courtesy Dr. Robert Sprackland, at Virtual Museum of Natural History
King Cobra @ National Geographic.com
