Black mamba

Dendroaspis polylepis · The black mamba is a highly venomous snake native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa.

Also called Black-mouthed mamba.

Black mamba
Photo: Rolf Dietrich Brecher from Germany, CC BY-SA 2.0
Black mamba
Photo: Bernard DUPONT from France, CC BY-SA 2.0
Black mamba
Photo: Missvain, CC BY 4.0

Taxonomy

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyElapidae
GenusDendroaspis
SpeciesDendroaspis polylepis

Where it lives

Savannas, woodland and rocky hills of eastern and southern Africa.

Fun facts

  • It's the second-longest venomous snake in the world, sometimes growing longer than 4.3 metres (14 feet).
  • Despite its name, its skin isn't black — the name refers to the inky-black inside of its mouth, which it flashes when threatened.
  • It can slither at speeds up to 16 km/h (10 mph) over short distances on suitable ground.
  • When striking, it can launch up to 40% of its body length off the ground, so bites can land on a person's upper body.

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Facts and taxonomy adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).