Vital Statistics
- Name
- Black Mamba, Common or Black-mouthed Mamba [Dendroaspis polylepis]
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Elapidae
- Length_F
- 2 530 mm
- Length_M
- 2 330 mm
Description
The Black Mamba is a large, streamlined snake with a narrow, coffin-shaped head and smooth scales. The back is uniform gunmetal to olive-brown, but never really black; the belly is pale grey-green, sometimes with dark blotches, and the mouth lining is black.
Distribution
Black Mambas are found in the northern parts of the subcontinent (absent from desert), extending south along Kwa-Zulu Natal coast to port St. Johns and elsewhere, to Senegal and Somalia.
Breeding
12 - 17 eggs are laid in termite nests, etc. These hatch in 80 - 90 days; growth is rapid, a Black Mamba may reach 2 000 mm in length in its first year.
Venom
The venom is neurotoxic and cardiotoxic, yielding 100 - 400 mg; 10 -15 mg is fatal in humans.
Diet
Black Mambas feed on fledgling birds and small mammals such as rats and dassies. | 
