All comparisons

Black-necked Spitting Cobra vs King Cobra

How does the Black-necked Spitting Cobra compare to the King Cobra? They are both members of the Elapidae family. Below we put their classification, habitat, diet, size, and conservation status side by side — and settle who would win in a fight.

Black-necked Spitting Cobra
King Cobra

Side-by-side comparison

Black-necked Spitting Cobra
King Cobra
Scientific name
Naja nigricollis
Ophiophagus hannah
Classification
Reptile
Reptile
Family
Elapidae
Elapidae
Habitat
Savanna and forest edges
Dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps
Diet
Carnivore
Carnivore
Conservation status
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Lifespan
10-15 years
15-20 years
Weight
1.2–2.0 kg
6-9 kg

Black-necked Spitting Cobra vs King Cobra: who would win?

Black-necked Spitting Cobra

Black-necked Spitting Cobra

1.2–2.0 kg

VS
King Cobra

King Cobra

6-9 kg

King Cobra wins high confidence

King Cobra is substantially heavier (6-9 kg vs 1.2–2.0 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

Similarities

  • Both are reptiles.
  • Both belong to the Elapidae family.
  • Both have a carnivore diet.

Differences

  • Habitat: Savanna and forest edges vs Dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps.
  • Conservation: Least Concern vs Vulnerable.
  • Weight: 1.2–2.0 kg vs 6-9 kg.

Black-necked Spitting Cobra vs King Cobra: FAQ

Who would win in a fight, a Black-necked Spitting Cobra or a King Cobra?

King Cobra wins. King Cobra is substantially heavier (6-9 kg vs 1.2–2.0 kg). In a physical confrontation that size and power advantage is usually decisive. In the wild these two rarely (if ever) meet — this is a what-if based on the size and diet we have on record, not a prediction.

What is the difference between a Black-necked Spitting Cobra and a King Cobra?

Black-necked Spitting Cobra and King Cobra differ in several ways — habitat: savanna and forest edges vs dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps. conservation: least concern vs vulnerable. weight: 1.2–2.0 kg vs 6-9 kg.

Do Black-necked Spitting Cobra and King Cobra live in the same habitat?

No — Black-necked Spitting Cobra lives in savanna and forest edges, while King Cobra is found in dense forests, bamboo thickets, mangrove swamps.

What do Black-necked Spitting Cobra and King Cobra eat?

Both Black-necked Spitting Cobra and King Cobra have a carnivore diet.

Which is more endangered, the Black-necked Spitting Cobra or the King Cobra?

Black-necked Spitting Cobra is listed as Least Concern, while King Cobra is listed as Vulnerable.

How big are Black-necked Spitting Cobra and King Cobra?

Black-necked Spitting Cobra weighs around 1.2–2.0 kg, while King Cobra weighs around 6-9 kg.

Black-necked Spitting Cobra

Full profile

Black-necked Spitting Cobra

King Cobra

Full profile

King Cobra