Dendroaspis polylepis

A very aggressive diurnal snake found in southern africa. Notable for being the fastest snake (capable of speeds 10-12 mph) and one of the most poisonous snakes in the world.

These snakes usually grow between 8 and 9 feet and contrary to their name, are not black. Rather, they are a greyish green or brown. the name comes from the colour of the inside of the mouth which is prominently displayed when it is posturing in response to a threat.

The snake, when it is angered (and it angers very easily), will take a position similar to that of a cobra, with its head off the ground and opening a narrow hood around its head. The black mamba usually strikes at the upper body several times. Symptoms from a bite appear in 10-15 minutes and the average time from bite to death is four hours.

Idea for the node comes from the book The Power of One.

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