King cobra

King cobra Introduction

The King cobra is a species of venomous cobra located from India to the southeast Asia. The king cobra is without a doubt the most infamous snake in the world and one of the most venomous ones. They are also one the most intelligent snakes, for many reasons including being able to control the amount of venom that is injects upon bite. They are the longest venomous snake in the world, one king cobra was measured at a whopping 5.6 metres (18 feet), but most do not exceed 3.6 metres (12 feet). The main feature that distinguishes the king cobra from other cobras is the possession of 11 large scales on the crown of its head. Adults may be yellow, green, brown, or black. The back is typically highlighted by yellowish or whitish crossbars or chevrons, and the underside may display a single colour that may or may not be ornamented with bars. The throat is light yellow or beige. Juvenile king cobras are smaller and black. Hatchlings are about 45–55 cm (18–22 inches) long and are black with yellow or white stripes. The king cobra is an active hunter. It preys almost exclusively on other snakes, prowling in forests, fields, and villages in the daytime as well as at night. It is not normally aggressive to humans—bites are rare—but it is hostile and dangerous during the breeding season or when cornered or startled. When threatened, the king cobra lifts the front part of its body so it stands roughly perpendicular to the ground. Its threat display also includes the spreading of its hood, which is just below its head, and the utterance of a low-pitched hiss. In this posture it can move or lunge forward to strike its victim.

Keywords to learn

Hatchlings: A young animal that has recently emerged from its egg

Hiss: Make a sharp sibilant sound as of the letters


About Me

Hey Kids, my name is Kayden the King cobra and I am very happy to meet you. Learn more about me and my species @ http://www.kids.nationalgeographic.com

 

 

 

Key Data

  • Order:
    Squamata.
  • Lifespan:
    20 years.
  • Class:
    Reptilia.
  • Scientific Name:
    Ophiophagus hannah.
  • Mass:
    20 pounds.
  • Length:
    13-18 feet.
  • Region found:
    South Asia.
  • Population Status:
    Vulnerable.
  • Current population trend:
    Decreasing.
  • Diet:
    Carnivorous.
  • Sexual maturity:
    5-6 years.

 

As you have just learned, the King cobra hold many world titles giving the name ‘king’ very suitable, but stay clear of these magnificent but deadly creatures.

 

Now that you know more about the King cobra by learning the key data above, be sure also to check out the fun facts. When you are finished learning the facts, try answering the questions in the Q&A corner on the bottom right side of the page.

 

 

Download questions about the King cobra here: King Cobra (answers are on this page)

 

Teachers. For more in depth work sheets on snakes. Click on Kidskonnect Worksheets

 

 

Cobra Fun Facts for Kids

  • # 1.  A King cobra is so long that when it ‘stand up’ it can look a full grown man directly in the eye!
  • # 2. Their venom is not the most potent among venomous snakes, but the amount of neurotoxin they can deliver in a single bite (up to two-tenths of a fluid ounce) is enough to kill 20 people, or even an elephant.
  • # 3.  The venom of a King cobra affects the part of the brain that controls the respiratory system, which will then cause respiratory failure and cardiac arrest.
  • # 4. Studies of the King cobra venom have yielded a strong pain reliever that is used help with severe arthritis pain.
  • # 5.  The Indian government implants microchips in captive King cobras to allow officials to identify any snakes that have newly been taken captive, which has been outlawed, in order to reduce the illegal wildlife trade.

Q&A Corner

# 1.  How long are King cobra Hatchlings?

 

# 2. What is the average length of the King cobra?

 

# 3. What region is the King cobra found?

 

# 4. How many people can one bite from a King cobra kill?

 

# 5. What does the Indian government do to tackle the illegal trade of King cobras?

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