King Cobra vs Indian Cobra: Find out the differences in size, venom strength, habitat, and behaviour

For centuries, snakes fascinated and feared humans. The most iconic venomous snakes are the King Cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah) and the Indian Cobra (Naja Naja). While both species are known for their hoodie appearance and deadly venom, they have significant differences in size, virility potency, behavior and habitat. This article provides an in-depth comparison between these two powerful snakes.

Differences between King Cobra and Indian Cobra

1. Scientific classification

feature

Cape King

Indian Cobra

scientific name

Ophiophagus Hannah

Naja Naja

Generic

ophiophagus (not real cobra)

Naja (True Cobra)

family

Elapidae

Elapidae

2. Size and physical features

King Cobra is the longest venomous snake in the world, usually reaching 19 feet. The Indian Cobra, although much larger, is still a large and highly venomous snake.

feature

Cape King

Indian Cobra

length

10-19 feet (the largest venomous snake)

4-7 feet (up to 10 feet in rare cases)

weight

10-15 lbs

2.5-6 lbs

Hood mark

No wonder shape marks, herringbone pattern around the neck

Unique wonder shapes on the hood

3. Virulence and lethality

Source: NationalZoo

  • Cape Poison King: Although Cape King can inject a lot of venom, it is not as effective as Indian Cobra. Its venom is neurotoxic and can affect the nervous system and cause respiratory failure.

Source: Inaturalist

  • Indian Cobra Venom: Indian Cobra Venom is more effective and highly neurotoxic, making it responsible for thousands of deaths each year. It is part of India’s “big four” snakes and is famous for causing the greatest deaths of humanity.

feature

Cape King

Indian Cobra

Number of venom per mouth

Up to 1000 mg

170-250 mg

LD50 is the amount of substance that kills 50% of the substance exposed to it.

1.28 mg/kg (lower potency)

0.56 mg/kg (more effective)

The annual human death

Rarely kill humans

About 15,000 deaths per year

4. Tinting and occlusal mechanism

Both snakes have fixed fangs, which means they don’t retract like venomous snakes. However, the King Cobra has long teeth, allowing it to inject large amounts of venom into a single bite.

feature

Cape King

Indian Cobra

Square long

0.5 inches

0.3 inches

Occlusal mechanism

Bite and catch prey

Bite and chew to inject venom

5. Habitat and distribution

King Cobras have a larger range and adapted to various environments, while Indian Cobras are more common near human settlements, increasing the encounters of human snakes.

feature

Cape King

Indian Cobra

Geographical scope

Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia

Indian subcontinent

Preferred habitat

Forests, grasslands, swamps

Farmland, human settlements, forests

6. Behavior and aggression

King Cobra is less aggressive to humans and preys on other snakes, including cobras. On the other hand, Indian Cobra is more territorial and defensive, making it a greater threat to humanity.

feature

Cape King

Indian Cobra

temperament

Usually non-aggressive, avoiding humans

More likely to bite when stinking

diet

Eat other snakes mainly (including cobras)

Feeding on small mammals, birds and amphibians

7. Cultural significance

Indian cobras occupy a sacred place in Indian culture. It is often depicted in Indian mythology, especially with Lord Shiva, who has cobras around his neck. Although the King Cobra is respected for its size, it does not have the same cultural reverence.

feature

Cape King

Indian Cobra

Symbolism

Fear and respect size and strength

Respected by Indian culture and mythology

Religious Importance

Related to fear and strength

Worship in Indian mythology, related to Lord Shiva

Who will win in the battle?

Source: AZ-Animals

In a direct battle between King Cobra and Indian Cobra, the Cape King may win for the following factors:

  • Size Advantage: King Cobra is nearly three times the length and heavier.
  • Venom Quantity: It injects more venom into one bite.
  • Predatory Behavior: King Cobra naturally preys on other snakes, including cobras.
  • Title size: Larger fangs can be injected deep into the venom.

Although the Indian Cobra’s venom is more effective, it will fight the power and venom delivery system of King Cobra. However, such combat is rare in nature, as both species prefer to avoid confrontation.

Which cobra is more dangerous to humans?

In terms of human risks, Indian cobras are the deadliest snake. Its venom is more effective and snakes are often used as it is often found in agricultural areas and urban settlements. On the other hand, the King Cobra is more secluded and rarely interacts with humans.

feature

Cape King

Indian Cobra

Human death risk

Low

High (about 15,000 deaths per year)

Meet humans

Rare

frequently

The effect of venom on humans

Large doses are fatal, but rarely used in humans

Even small doses are extremely fatal

in conclusion

Both King Cobra and Indian Cobra are powerful snakes, each with its own unique advantages:

  • The King Cobra is the longest venomous snake, feared by its size and ability to prey on other snakes.
  • Indian cobra is smaller for humans, but much closer to human options because its venom is highly effective, killing thousands of people each year.

Although King Cobra may win in face-to-face battles, Indian Cobra still poses even greater threat to human life due to frequent encounters and deadly venom.

Understanding these differences helps to appreciate these outstanding creatures while ensuring proper safety measures are taken to avoid dangerous encounters.