Black Mamba

Black Mamba
Dendroaspis polylepis

The name of this snake suggests that it is black in colour, when in actual fact it is more grey in colour. So why not Grey Mamba then? The name comes from the colour inside the mouth. When the snake becomes frightened it opens the mouth revealing the dark inner lining. The snake also spreads a small narrow hood, trying to make itself appear larger than it actually is. Heeding this warning is good advice as the next warning could be a bite!