| Ophiophagus salvatana | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Serpentes |
| Family: | Elapidae |
| Genus: | Ophiophagus |
| Species: | O. salvatana |
| Binomial name | |
| Ophiophagus salvatana Gowri Shankar, Das & Wüster, 2024 | |
The Luzon king cobra (Ophiophagus salvatana) is a species of king cobra that is endemic to the island of Luzon in northern Philippines. [1]
The Luzon king cobra was recognized as a distinct species in an article published in the European Journal of Taxonomy on October 16, 2024. [2]
The species name of "salvatana" is the name for king cobra in the Tagalog language [1]
The Luzon king cobra can grow to a length of up to 10 ft (3.0 m). [2] The Luzon king cobra lacks pale bands along the body, and fewer pterygoid teeth only having 11 compared to the other species having 18-21. [1]
The Luzon king cobra is found only in Luzon and is one of two species of king cobra found in the Philippines, with the other being the Sunda king cobra ( Ophiophagus bungarus ). [3]
As a member of the king cobra species complex, the Luzon king cobra is also considered as "vulnerable" under the IUCN Red List. [2] However due to the fact this was before the fact the species split it may need reassessment, as the Luzon king cobra has a more restrictive range. [1]
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