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Black Mamba | Daily Animal Facts

Animal profile

Black Mamba

Dendroaspis polylepis

ReptiliaSavanna, open woodland, rocky hills and riverine scrub of sub-Saharan AfricaLeast Concern

Field profile

The black mamba is a large, slender, fast-moving African elapid that shelters in termite mounds, hollow trees and rock crevices. It hunts small mammals and birds by day. It is among the longest venomous snakes, with adults commonly around two and a half metres.

Scope note

This is an editorial profile, not a diagnostic field-identification guide or a substitute for current conservation assessments. Follow the cited sources on each fact for the evidence trail.

Published field notes

2026-07-16

Black Mamba

The black mamba is not black

Its body is olive, grey or gunmetal brown. The name comes from the inside of the mouth, which the snake gapes open in threat to show a lining so dark it reads as black against the pale gums of other species.

Read with evidence →