The king cobra ( Ophiophagus hannah) is often referred to as the "king of snakes."
Here's why:
- Apex Predator: The king cobra sits at the top of its food chain.
- Ophiophagus: Its scientific name, Ophiophagus hannah, literally means "snake-eater," highlighting its primary diet.
- Diet: King cobras predominantly eat other snakes, including:
- Indian cobras
- Banded kraits
- Rat snakes
- Pythons
- Green whip snakes
- Keelbacks
- Banded wolf snakes
- Blyth's reticulated snakes
Therefore, due to its dominance and diet of other snakes, the king cobra is widely considered the king of the snake.
