King Cobra
Ophiophagus hannah · Elapidae
Also called: Hamadryad
The world's longest venomous snake. A single bite delivers enough neurotoxin to kill an elephant, yet it is generally shy and avoids humans.
What the King Cobra looks like
How to identify it
- 1Enormous length, up to 18 feet
- 2Olive, tan or black with faint chevron bands
- 3Rears up and spreads a narrow hood when threatened
- 4Distinct large scales on the back of the head
Snakes it's confused with
King cobra is far larger and has occipital head scales.
Behavior & danger to humans
Usually avoids people but is dangerous if cornered; capable of 'standing' a third of its length tall.
⚠️ Danger: Potentially lethal neurotoxic venom. A bite is a dire emergency requiring antivenom.
Related snakes
VenomousEastern Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus adamanteus
The largest venomous snake in North America and arguably the most dangerous. Its hemotoxic venom destroys tissue and blood cells, and a defensive bite is a medical emergency.
VenomousCopperhead
Agkistrodon contortrix
Responsible for more venomous snakebites than any other US species, but its bite is rarely fatal. Excellent camouflage in leaf litter leads to surprise encounters.
VenomousCottonmouth (Water Moccasin)
Agkistrodon piscivorus
A semi-aquatic pit viper named for the white interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a warning. The only venomous water snake in North America.
VenomousEastern Coral Snake
Micrurus fulvius
A relative of cobras with potent neurotoxic venom. Famous for the rhyme 'red touches yellow, kill a fellow' that separates it from harmless mimics.