Black Mamba Snake Size report
The black mamba (scientific name: Dendroaspis polylepis) is a member of the cobra family. It is the longest snake in Africa and the deadliest in the world. It is also one of the fastest snakes in the world, with a speed of 16~20km/h.
Black mamba snakes are mainly distributed in sub-Saharan East Africa. They survive in hot and dry bushes and deserts. They are adaptable and often hide in abandoned termite mounds, dead tree holes, or rock crevices. They are mostly ground-based and diurnal, preying on small mammals, birds, lizards, and other snakes.
The black mamba is naturally aggressive and can stand upright with the front half of its body to threaten the enemy. The word "black" in its name refers to its jet-black mouth rather than its gray or brown body. The following post will introduce more interesting facts about black mamba snakes.
Black Mamba Snake Size and Appearance
The head of a black mamba is flat and roughly rectangular, with bright round eyes. Scales cover the body; the colors include gray, gray-blue, dark green, brown, etc., gradually becoming lighter from the dorsal spine to the abdomen. In comparison, the juveniles are mainly bright gray or dark green. The most remarkable feature of a black mamba is the black mouth, which can be clearly seen when the mouth is opened wide. The front end of the upper jaw can be tilted upward when attacking so that its fangs can pierce objects close to the plane. It belongs to the front ditch venomous snake, and its venom is neurotoxic and extremely toxic.
Average Size of Black Mamba
The black mamba has a slender body. Generally, more than 2 meters in length, and the longest record can reach 4.5 meters. Adult black mamba snakes are 2-3.5 meters long, with an average weight of 1.6-2 kg. In the wild, black mambas typically live at least 11 years, while those in captivity have more than 20 years of life spans.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dendroaspis polylepis |
| Average Length | 2-3.5 m |
| Average Weight | 1.6-2 kg |
| Lifespan | 11-20 years |
Living Habits of Black Mamba
The black mamba is widely distributed in southern Africa and usually lives below 1,000 meters above sea level. Most common in wooded savannahs or riverine forests, especially on rocky hills and densely treed areas, shrublands are their main habitat. The black mamba is reclusive and stealthy. Active during the day, often basking on the branches; return to the nest at night.
When the black mamba moves, 1/3 of its body usually uplifts. When threatened, it can raise 2/3 of its body and open its big black mouth to attack. The diet consists of warm-blooded prey, feeding on small rodents, birds, hyraxes, and bats.
Final Words
The black mamba is the fastest and most aggressive snake in the world. Its short-distance moving speed can reach 16-20 kilometers per hour, and its venom is neurotoxic. On average, 10-15 mg of black mamba venom is enough to kill an adult human. Therefore, black mambas have very few natural enemies in the wild; mongooses often eat young snakes, and secretarybirds may also hunt adult snakes.
