Black Mamba

Dendroaspis polylepis

Geographical Locale

• Black mambas are found in the southern part of Africa

Appearance

• Two enlarged venom fangs fixed to the front of the mouth
• Solid teeth in both jaws
• Adult Black mambas reach an average of 8.2' and a maximum of 14.7' in length
• These snakes are actually a grey to olive colour with lighter scales round their head
• They take their name from the black colouring inside their mouths
• Thin and extremely agile
• Capable of reaching speeds of 12 mph

Venom

• Extremely poisonous. Largely neurotoxic – poisonous to nerve tissue - but also cardiotoxic – causes heart muscles to stop functioning

Lifecycle

• Mating takes place in late spring or early summer. (Oct to Dec in Africa)
• After mating the male returns to its own nest.
• Female lays between 10 and 20 Eggs.
• Young Black mambas are self-sufficient from birth and capable of catching prey as big as a rat.

Habits

• Black mambas tend to live in scrubland but can sometimes be found in bushes and small trees.
• They will continue to occupy the same nest for many years if left undisturbed.
• Diet consists mainly of birds and rodents and they actively hunt during the day or night.
• Black mambas are extremely aggressive and will attack without provocation.
• Capable of rearing up to a third of its length in the air.