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king cobra
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King cobra
Close-up of a king cobra overlaid with question marks, a drawn crown, and an arrow pointing to the snake
king cobra
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King cobra
King cobra The four species that make up the genus Ophiophagus are considered to be the largest venomous snakes in the world. The largest individuals grow up to 5.6 metres (18 feet) in length, but most do not exceed 3.6 metres (12 feet).

king cobra

snake
Also known as: Ophiophagus, hamadryad
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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History

king cobra, (genus Ophiophagus), reptile genus containing the worldā€™s largest venomous snakes. King cobras are found predominantly in forests from India through Southeast Asia to the Philippines and Indonesia. The snakeā€™s maximum confirmed length is 5.6 metres (18 feet), but most do not exceed 3.6 metres (12 feet). The king cobra genus (Ophiophagus) is classified as part of family Elapidae, the cobra family. Hamadryad, the alternative common name for the snake, is a Greek word...

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