Black Mamba

Dendroaspis polylepis

Geographical Locale

Black Mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) | Rentokil Pest Control Snake Information
  • 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 2.5 meters and a maximum of 4.5 meters 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 20 km/h.

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.

The contents of this page are for information only. Rentokil UK do not treat reptiles.