Africa's fastest snake and one of the most feared elapids, named for the inky black lining of its mouth rather than its skin colour.
Description
A long, slim grey-brown snake reaching up to 4 m, the black mamba takes its name from the deep blue-black interior of the mouth, displayed in threat. Its coffin-shaped head sits on a thin neck, and large smooth scales give the body a glossy, almost matte finish.
Behavior
Black mambas are alert, nervous diurnal hunters, capable of moving at over 16 km/h in short bursts. When cornered they raise the forebody, spread a narrow hood, and gape the mouth before delivering rapid bites. Their fast-acting neurotoxin can be fatal without antivenom.
Range
Found across most of sub-Saharan Africa east of the Sahel, from Ethiopia and the eastern Congo south through Kenya and Tanzania to KwaZulu-Natal. They favour broken country with rocks, termite mounds, and hollow trees as shelters.
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Black Mamba starts with B and ends with A. Browse other snakes along the same letter.
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