The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is one of the most menacing snakes in the world. They are able to reach 5.5 metres in length, making them the longest venomous species of snakes in the world. [ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”2,3,5″ ihc_mb_template=”1″ ]
The name ‘King Cobra’ was designated as it possesses large scales on its head that resemble a King’s crown. Albeit possessing the word “cobra” in its common name, the King Cobra isn’t a member of Naja genus which consist most of the cobra species. It is the sole member of its own genus, Ophiophagus, a Greek-derived word that means ‘snake-eater’. This is because the King Cobras’ favourite food would be other snakes such as pythons, tree snakes and cobras.
King Cobras generally would attempt to avoid confrontations. However, they tend to become aggressive upon persisting provocations. During confrontations, King cobras raise up one –third of their entire bodies and move forward while attacking. They can literally “stand up” and look right into your eyes. King cobras will also flare out their iconic hoods and emit a terrifying hiss. Additional to that, King Cobras are capable of delivering up to seven millimetres of neurotoxin via a single bite-sufficient to kill an elephant or 20 people.
Feeling frightened yet?
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