If one has to ask which snake can be called the king of all snakes, it has to be the King Cobra. The King Cobra belongs to the family Elapidae. This shake is the largest of all venomous snakes in the world and they can reach 18 feet (5.5 meters) in length. This is huge for a venomous snake. But it is not the shear size that makes it the king it is the bite of this snake. Although, its venom is not the most potent but what lacks in quality is amply compensated in volume. The amount of neurotoxin they can deliver in a single bite is up to two-tenths of a fluid ounce (seven milliliters) and is enough to kill 20 people, or even an elephant. The mortality rate can be as high as 75% this means that three out of four people ever bitten rarely survive.

Another trait that makes it the king is that it mainly consumes other sakes both venomous and non-venomous such as pythons. They will also eat lizards, birds, eggs, and small mammals. The king Cobra can raise up to one-third of their body length so as to literally stand up to a height of about six feet that is almost equal to the height of a full grown man. They flare out their hoods and emit hiss that sounds almost like a growling dog. That is why some people believe that a king cobra looks straight in the eyes and bites on the face. But this is not true as a matter of fact these are very shy creatures.

King cobras are found mainly in the rain forests and plains of India, southern China, and Southeast Asia. Their color varies greatly from region to region and depends on the surroundings. They are the only snakes in the world that build nests for their eggs. These nests are made of twigs and leaves and are remarkable structures that maintain a constant temperature and humidity. The snakes guard its nest fiercely till the eggs hatch, and then the young are left to fend for themselves. The young have fully developed venom glands and fangs and can start hunting pray. They have an average life span of around 20 years.

The size, strength, potent venom and their ability to eat other snakes all make this cobra king of all snakes.