Boomslang
Dispholidus typus
A slender, large-eyed African tree snake famous for its potent hemotoxic venom delivered through rear fangs, making it one of the few colubrids capable of causing severe or fatal envenomation in humans.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 1.2-1.8 m (4-6 ft)
- Range
- Sub-Saharan Africa
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Overview
The boomslang is a highly arboreal African colubrid renowned among herpetologists for possessing unusually potent venom for a rear-fanged snake. Its name, Afrikaans for "tree snake," reflects its strongly arboreal lifestyle.
It is venomous, and its bite is medically significant and potentially life-threatening, making it one of the few rear-fanged colubrids considered seriously dangerous to humans; however, it is shy, rarely bites unless provoked or mishandled, and envenomations are uncommon.
How to identify it
- Highly variable coloration, ranging from bright green and yellow-green to olive, brown, or nearly black depending on sex and region
- Exceptionally large eyes with round pupils, giving an alert, wide-eyed appearance
- Slender body well suited to climbing, with keeled dorsal scales
- Short head with a distinct, somewhat blocky shape
- Adults typically 1.2-1.8 m long
Its oversized eyes and highly arboreal habits are strong identification clues, though color alone is unreliable due to variability.
Habitat & range
Inhabits savanna woodland, forest edges, and scrubland across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from South Africa northward through East and Central Africa into parts of West Africa. Highly arboreal, spending much of its time in trees and shrubs.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Diurnal and highly alert, relying on excellent eyesight to detect prey and threats. Feeds mainly on chameleons and other arboreal lizards, as well as birds and their eggs. It is shy and typically flees or inflates its neck in a threat display rather than biting. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying clutches of roughly 8-25 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the boomslang dangerous?
Yes, its venom is potent and its bite is medically significant, though it is shy and bites are uncommon.
Why is the boomslang notable among colubrids?
It is one of the few rear-fanged colubrid snakes with venom potent enough to be seriously dangerous to humans.
What does the boomslang eat?
It feeds mainly on chameleons and other tree-dwelling lizards, as well as birds and eggs.
Where is the boomslang found?
It is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa in savanna and woodland habitats.
Boomslang guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Boomslang.
