Boomslang
Dispholidus typus
A slender, large-eyed African tree snake.
- 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. Its name, Afrikaans for "tree snake," reflects its strongly arboreal lifestyle.
It is shy and typically flees when encountered.
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. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying clutches of roughly 8-25 eggs.
Frequently asked questions
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.
