The black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) is one of the world’s fastest and most poisonous snakes. However, in spite of being known as black mamba, there is one interesting feature about this creature that most people aren’t aware of—the black mamba isn’t actually black in color.In fact, the body of this snake can be olive, grey, brown or gunmetal. These colors help it perfectly camouflaged among the savanna, rocky hills and woods of sub-Saharan Africa. So how did it get such an unusual name? It turns out, the snake’s coloring has little to do with it.
It is named after the inside of its mouth
The black mamba got its name because of the dark blue or black coloration inside its mouth, not from its scales. This snake tends to open its mouth when it is trying to threaten some animal or human. This threat display is completed with neck flattening, head lifting and loud hissing.In contrast, the scientific name, Dendroaspis polylepis, is derived from yet another aspect. “Dendroaspis” is the term meaning “tree asp,” even though the snake spends a lot of its time crawling on the ground, while “polylepis” means many scales.
Colouration of the snake’s body changes according to the age and habitat
Contrary to what the name suggests, the black mamba is usually grey, olive-green or dark brown, not black. Younger snakes have lighter skin that becomes darker during their lifespan, but not black. The neutral colour makes an excellent camouflage in the dry grasslands, rocky terrains and sparse forests. This misunderstanding has persisted for decades, as most people believe that the snake’s name implies its physical characteristics.
Why does it open its mouth?
Contrary to the myth, black mambas do not attack people out of aggression. Black mambas usually avoid humans and do not attack when provided with an escape route. When feeling cornered and threatened, it depends on a series of defensive actions before biting.Opening a black mouth is a visual alarm, which tells potential predators that they should not get any closer. In case of further pressure, the snake starts attacking with lightning-fast bites delivering highly toxic neurotoxins.
One of Africa’s most amazing snakes
Black mambas can reach over 4 meters (13 feet) long, making them Africa’s largest venomous snake and one of the largest venomous snakes worldwide. The black mamba is also able to move with the speed of 16–20 km/h (10–12 mph), although popular myths say that it is faster than people. Despite being dangerous, this species is of high importance for the ecosystem since it helps to control populations of other small animals.
