King Cobra Facts for Kids - The World's Longest Venomous Snake

Scientific Name and Classification

• Common Name: King cobra

• Scientific Name: Ophiophagus hannah

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Chordata

• Class: Reptilia

• Order: Squamata

• Family: Elapidae

• Genus: Ophiophagus

• Species: O. hannah

🐍 Introduction

The king cobra is the longest venomous snake.It lives in South and Southeast Asia.It has a hood and a deep growling hiss.It is respected and feared.

🦎 Appearance

Adults reach 10-13 ft (3-4 m).Some can exceed 18 ft (5.5 m).Body color varies from olive to brown or black.Pale bands may be present.The hood spreads wide when threatened.Eyes are medium with round pupils.

🌍 Habitat

It lives in forests, bamboo thickets, and mangroves.It also uses farmland edges and plantations.It stays near water and dense cover.Range includes India to Indonesia and the Philippines.

🍽 Diet

Its name means "snake eater."It mainly eats other snakes.It also takes lizards and small mammals at times.It hunts by sight and scent.

🔄 Life Cycle

The female builds a leaf nest.She lays about 20-40 eggs.Incubation lasts 60-80 days.She guards the nest until hatching.Young are independent at birth.

🐾 Behavior and Social Structure

It is mostly diurnal.It lifts its body and spreads its hood to warn.It hisses with a deep growl.It avoids people when it can.It is solitary except in breeding season.

🛡 Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable.Main threats: Habitat loss, persecution, and trade.Protection: Laws, protected areas, and education.

🎭 Cultural Significance

It appears in Indian and Southeast Asian stories.It is linked to naga legends and temple lore.It is a symbol of power and protection.

✨ Fun Facts

• Longest venomous snake on Earth.

• Venom is mainly neurotoxic.

• Builds and guards a nest.

• Can raise its body to look taller.

• Has a loud, growling hiss.

📌 Key Takeaways

• Longest venomous snake.

• Eats mostly other snakes.

• Diurnal and solitary.

• Females build and guard nests.

• Listed as Vulnerable.

• Lives in Asian forests near water.

🐾 Kid-Friendly Summary

The king cobra is a huge, hooded snake.It eats other snakes and lives in Asian forests.Mothers build nests and guard the eggs.It warns with a tall stance and a growling hiss.Leave it alone and it will leave you alone.

📚 Vocabulary Words

• Venom - Poison used to hunt or defend.

• Neurotoxin - A venom that affects nerves.

• Hood - The flared neck skin of some snakes.

• Oviparous - Animals that lay eggs.

• Clutch - A group of eggs laid at one time.

• Diurnal - Active during the day.

• Habitat - The place where an animal lives.

• Persecution - Harm done to an animal out of fear.

• Incubation - Time eggs develop before hatching.

• Camouflage - Colors that help an animal hide.