Rattlesnake vs. King Cobra — What's the Difference?

Rattlesnakes, belonging to the genus Crotalus, are native to the Americas and easily identified by their unique rattle at the end of their tail, used as a warning signal to predators and humans. King cobras (Ophiophagus hannah), on the other hand, are native to South and Southeast Asia and are not only the world’s longest venomous snakes but also distinguished by their hood, which they expand when threatened, and their ability to raise a significant portion of their body off the ground.

The venom of a rattlesnake is hemotoxic, leading to tissue damage, disruption of blood clotting, and organ failure. In contrast, the king cobra's venom is primarily neurotoxic, affecting the nervous system, leading to paralysis, and potentially death due to respiratory failure if antivenom is not administered promptly.

Rattlesnakes are known for their preference for arid environments, though they can be found in a wide range of habitats, from deserts to forests. King cobras prefer dense highlands, forests, and swamps. They are also notable for their intelligence, including the ability to recognize their handlers.

The diet of rattlesnakes mainly consists of small mammals, birds, and occasionally other reptiles. King cobras have a more specialized diet, primarily feeding on other snakes, including venomous species, earning them the "king" in their name for their dominance in the reptile food chain.

In terms of reproduction, rattlesnakes give birth to live young, a trait known as ovoviviparity. King cobras are unique among venomous snakes for their nesting behavior; the female builds a nest for her eggs and guards them until they hatch, demonstrating a rare level of parental care in snakes.