Most people believe all cobras are alike, but the King and the Common Cobras are two entirely different types of snakes. They might resemble each other as both lift a hood; however, their size, diet and venom levels are quite dissimilar.
Here are 7 easy ways to distinguish the King and Common Cobra.
- Size
King Cobra is enormous.
It is the world’s longest poisonous snake, reaching a maximum length of eighteen feet.
The average length of the common cobra is 4 to 6 feet.
The King Cobra is therefore nearly three times larger.
2. Venom
Both are dangerous, but their venom works differently.
The Common Cobra has very strong neurotoxic venom.
The King Cobra has weaker venom drop-by-drop, but it injects a much larger amount in one bite.
Because of this, the King Cobra’s bite can be fatal to large animals too.
- Food
One of the most significant distinctions is this.
Rats, frogs, lizards, and small animals are all consumed by the common cobra.
Mostly, the King Cobra consumes other snakes, including fellow cobras.
It is genuinely referred to as the “King” for this reason.
- Environment
Common Cobras are frequently spotted close to open fields, farms, and villages.
They coexist with people.
King Cobras favor dense foliage, bamboo regions, and deep forests.
Typically, they avoid human contact.
- Behavior
When they perceive danger, common cobras swiftly become hostile.
They raise their hood and strike without any delay.
Surprisingly, King Cobras are serene.
They stay out of confrontations, but they become very dangerous when someone threatens them.
- Intelligence
The majority of snakes are not as intelligent as king cobras.
They keep an eye on their environment and even alter their hunting strategies.
Common Cobras react quickly and impulsively.
- Building nests
The most startling distinction is this one.
The only snake in the world that constructs a nest for its eggs is the King Cobra.
It keeps the eggs safe until they hatch.
Eggs are laid by common cobras and left behind.
⭐ Conclusion
Even though both snakes are cobras, the King Cobra and the Common Cobra are substantially distinct.
While the Common Cobra is smaller, more aggressive, and more frequently encountered around people, the King Cobra is distinguished by its size, calm disposition, intellect, and unusual nest-building habit.