Hoplocephalus

Hoplocephalus is a genus of venomous snakes in the family Elapidae. The genus is endemic to Australia. Three species are recognized.

== Taxonomy == The genus name Hoplocephalus was originally coined for the king cobra by Johann Georg Wagler, under the name Hoplocephalus bungaroides (formerly Naja bungaroides). However, the species name Naja bungaroides was used by Hermann Schlegel for the broad-headed snake, and these two names became conflated, with the genus name Hoplocephalus long being used for the Australian snakes instead of the king cobra. This discrepancy was discovered in 2024, but due to the longstanding use of the name, it was decided to maintain the name Hoplocephalus for the Australian snakes and maintain the name H. bungaroides for the broad-headed snake.