Black Mamba

The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is a species of highly venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae. It is native to parts of sub-Saharan Africa. First formally described by Albert Günther in 1864, it is the second-longest venomous snake after the king cobra; mature specimens generally exceed 2 m (6 ft 7 in) and commonly grow to 3 m (9.8 ft). Specimens of 4.3 to 4.5 m (14 to 15 ft) have been reported. It varies in colour from grey to dark brown. Juvenile black mambas tend to be more pale in colour than adults, and darken with age.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

Considered venomous. Public sources list it as such; we have not verified this individually. The note covers its whole genus. Mambas (Dendroaspis spp.), including the black mamba (D. polylepis) Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Dispholidus typus — venomous
• Psammophis mossambicus
• Oxyuranus scutellatus — considered venomous
• Rhamphiophis rostratus
• Naja annulifera — considered venomous
• Leioheterodon modestus

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Reptilia

Order

Squamata

Family

Elapidae

Genus

Dendroaspis

Species

Dendroaspis polylepis

More species