What is the Difference Between King Cobra and Cobra?

The King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) and the Cobra (Naja naja) are two distinct species of venomous snakes with several key differences. Here are the main differences between the King Cobra and the Cobra:

• Size: King Cobras are significantly larger than Cobras. King Cobras can grow up to 12-18 feet in length, while Cobras typically reach 2-10 feet in length. This makes King Cobras the longest venomous snake in the world.
• Weight: King Cobras weigh more than Cobras, with a weight range of 10 to 20 pounds compared to Cobras' average weight of 5 to 10 pounds.
• Appearance: King Cobras have shades of black, brown, and olive green skin, with light yellow to cream-colored chevron-shaped markings from head to tail. Cobras, on the other hand, have scales that are varied between light to dark shades of brown.
• Diet: King Cobras primarily eat other snakes, while Cobras have a more diverse diet that includes frogs, lizards, birds, smaller snakes, and small mammals like rats and hares.
• Reproduction: Cobras lay their eggs in holes and crevices, while King Cobras build a nest to lay their eggs.
• Genus: King Cobras belong to the genus Ophiophagus, meaning 'snake eater', while Cobras belong to the genus Naja, meaning 'true cobra'.
• Venom: Both King Cobras and Cobras are venomous, but King Cobras have longer fangs (about 0.5 inches) compared to Cobras (about 0.3 inches). While some Cobras can spit venom, King Cobras do not have this ability.

Comparative Table: King Cobra vs Cobra

Here is a table comparing the key differences between King Cobras and Cobras:

King Cobras and Cobras share many physical characteristics, but they also have distinct differences. King Cobras belong to the Ophiophagus genus, while Cobras belong to the Naja genus, making them distinct in their scientific classifications. King Cobras are also known to eat other snakes, which is a behavior not commonly observed in Cobras. Additionally, some Cobra species have the ability to spit venom, while King Cobras do not possess this ability. Lastly, King Cobras are generally larger and heavier than Cobras, with the average King Cobra reaching 12-18 feet in length and weighing 10-20 pounds, compared to the average Cobra, which reaches only 2-10 feet in length.