Difference between revisions of "Mamba" - New World Encyclopedia
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Mambas lack a inflatable neck hood as with the cobras—the cobra's hood being a flap of loose skin behind the head that the snake can inflate, making the snake appear bigger. However, the relationship of mambas with cobras can be seen in the fact that mambas, during their threat display, can inflate their necks somewhat. They do this while gaping their mouth. | Mambas lack a inflatable neck hood as with the cobras—the cobra's hood being a flap of loose skin behind the head that the snake can inflate, making the snake appear bigger. However, the relationship of mambas with cobras can be seen in the fact that mambas, during their threat display, can inflate their necks somewhat. They do this while gaping their mouth. | ||
| − | In the mamba genus, ''Dendroapsis'' (or ''Dendraspis''), there are generally four extant species that are recognized, along with various subspecies (ITIS 2004). These four species are ''Dendroaspis angusticeps'' (eastern green mamba), ''Dendroaspis jamesoni'' (Jameson's mamba), ''Dendroaspis polylepis'' (black mamba), and ''Dendroaspis viridis'' (western green mamba). The black mamba reside on the ground, in hollow insect mounds, abandoned burrows, and rock crevices. The other species are more arboreal. ("Dendroaspis" means | + | In the mamba genus, ''Dendroapsis'' (or ''Dendraspis''), there are generally four extant [[species]] that are recognized, along with various subspecies (ITIS 2004). These four species are ''Dendroaspis angusticeps'' ([[eastern green mamba]]), ''Dendroaspis jamesoni'' ([[Jameson's mamba]]), ''Dendroaspis polylepis'' ([[black mamba]]), and ''Dendroaspis viridis'' ([[western green mamba]]). The black mamba reside on the ground, in hollow insect mounds, abandoned burrows, and rock crevices. The other species are more arboreal. ("Dendroaspis" literally means "tree snake.") |
The black mamba is the largest [[venomous snake]] in [[Africa]] and the second longest venomous snake in the world. Adult black mambas have an average length of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and a maximum length of 4.5 meters (~14 feet) (Perry 2001). On the king cobra ''(Ophiophagus hannah)'' of Asia is longer, growing to a length of 5.7 meters (18.5 feet) (Mehrtens 1987). | The black mamba is the largest [[venomous snake]] in [[Africa]] and the second longest venomous snake in the world. Adult black mambas have an average length of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and a maximum length of 4.5 meters (~14 feet) (Perry 2001). On the king cobra ''(Ophiophagus hannah)'' of Asia is longer, growing to a length of 5.7 meters (18.5 feet) (Mehrtens 1987). | ||
| − | Unlike most other snakes mambas will strike repeatedly if cornered, and have been reported to bring down a giraffe and a lion with their venom. | + | In attacking their prey, predator, or a human being, mambas will raise up its body to strike, aiming at the head or trunk. Unlike most other snakes mambas will strike repeatedly if cornered, and have been reported to bring down a [[giraffe]] and a [[lion]] with their venom. Their normal prey is small warm-blooded prey, such as [[rodent]]s, [[ground squirrel]]s, and other small [[mammal]]s. When hunting small animals, the black mamba delivers one or two deadly bites and backs off, waiting for the [[neurotoxin]] in its [[venom]] to paralyze the prey (Mastenbroek 2002). When killing a bird, however, the black mamba will cling to its prey, preventing its departure. |
==Mamba toxin== | ==Mamba toxin== | ||
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| − | + | <ref name="Black Mamba">{{cite web|url=http://www.kingsnake.com/elapids/black_mamba.htm|title=Black Mamba |accessdate=2008-11-16 |last=Mastenbroek |first=Richard |date=2002 |publisher=Richard Mastenbroek }}</ref> | |
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Mamba is the common name for any of the several fast-moving, venomous African snakes comprising the elapid genus Dendroaspis, characterized by large scales, large eyes, extremely toxic venom, absence of hoods, and, as with other members of the Elapidae family, hollow, relatively short, permanently erect fangs in the front of the mouth that deliver the venom. The black mamba (D. polylepis) is particular well-known for its extremely potent neurotoxic venom and sometimes aggressive nature towards humans; without antivenom, its bite is nearly always fatal. With the exception of the black mamba, which is a ground dwelling species, other Dendroaspis species are more strongly arboreal.
Overview and description
Mambas are part of the Elapidae family, along with cobras, coral snakes, death adders, and, in some taxonomies, sea snakes. Elapids are a family of venomous snakes, and include some of the world's most deadly snakes (like the black mamba). Elapids are differentiated from the other major family of venomous snakes, Viperidae, by their venom delivery system. Elapids have hollow, permanently erect, relatively short fangs in the front of the mouth that channel venom into the prey. Viperids, such as rattlesnakes, moccasins, and puff adders, have two, long, hollow, venom-injecting fangs that fold back against the roof of the mouth, tip upward, when the mouth is closed. Viperids also have a head that is very distinct from the body.
Mambas lack a inflatable neck hood as with the cobras—the cobra's hood being a flap of loose skin behind the head that the snake can inflate, making the snake appear bigger. However, the relationship of mambas with cobras can be seen in the fact that mambas, during their threat display, can inflate their necks somewhat. They do this while gaping their mouth.
In the mamba genus, Dendroapsis (or Dendraspis), there are generally four extant species that are recognized, along with various subspecies (ITIS 2004). These four species are Dendroaspis angusticeps (eastern green mamba), Dendroaspis jamesoni (Jameson's mamba), Dendroaspis polylepis (black mamba), and Dendroaspis viridis (western green mamba). The black mamba reside on the ground, in hollow insect mounds, abandoned burrows, and rock crevices. The other species are more arboreal. ("Dendroaspis" literally means "tree snake.")
The black mamba is the largest venomous snake in Africa and the second longest venomous snake in the world. Adult black mambas have an average length of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) and a maximum length of 4.5 meters (~14 feet) (Perry 2001). On the king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) of Asia is longer, growing to a length of 5.7 meters (18.5 feet) (Mehrtens 1987).
In attacking their prey, predator, or a human being, mambas will raise up its body to strike, aiming at the head or trunk. Unlike most other snakes mambas will strike repeatedly if cornered, and have been reported to bring down a giraffe and a lion with their venom. Their normal prey is small warm-blooded prey, such as rodents, ground squirrels, and other small mammals. When hunting small animals, the black mamba delivers one or two deadly bites and backs off, waiting for the neurotoxin in its venom to paralyze the prey (Mastenbroek 2002). When killing a bird, however, the black mamba will cling to its prey, preventing its departure.
Mamba toxin
The black mamba has an extremely potent neurotoxic venom that attacks the nervous system, and cardiotoxins that attack the heart; the bite is often fatal to humans without access to proper first aid and subsequent antivenom treatment, because it shuts down the lungs and heart. The Western green mamba (D. viridis) and Eastern green mamba, (D. angusticeps), possess venom that is roughly equal in potency to that of the black mamba. However, they are not nearly as aggressive.
Prior to the availability of antivenom, envenomations by members of this genus carried a nearly 100% fatality rate. However, with antivenom being much more available today, fatalities have become much more rare.
Mamba toxin is in fact several components, with different targets. Examples are:
- Mamba toxin 3, which inhibits M4 receptors (Rang 2003).
- Mamba toxin 7, which inhibits M1 receptors (Rang 2003).
Species
Species Dendroaspis angusticeps (A. Smith, 1849)
Species Dendroaspis jamesoni (Traill, 1843) Species Dendroaspis polylepis (Günther, 1864) Species Dendroaspis viridis (Hallowell, 1844)
Subspecies Dendroaspis jamesoni jamesoni (Traill, 1843) Subspecies Dendroaspis jamesoni kaimosae Loveridge, 1936
- Dendroaspis
- D. angusticeps (eastern green mamba)
- D. jamesoni (Jameson's mamba)
- D. jamesoni jamesoni (Jameson's green mamba)
- D. jamesoni kaimosea (Jameson's black-tail mamba)
- D. polylepis (black mamba)
- D. polylepis polylepis (black mamba)
- D. viridis (western green mamba)
Black mamba
The black mamba is not named for the colour of its body (which is usually a shade of grey or charcoal), but for the highly pigmented interior of its mouth, which it will display to the predator in hopes it will leave it alone. Many people believe that the Black Mamba will actually chase and attack humans. This is a myth, and is probably fueled by the great speed with which this species can move. Humans are actually their predators, rather than their prey. For that reason, mambas generally avoid contact with humans. However, if a mamba feels threatened by a human, it may defend itself fiercely.
They are diurnal. During the day they actively hunt their prey of small mammals, birds and lizards. They return to the same lair nightly.
ReferencesISBN links support NWE through referral fees
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). 2004. Dendroaspis Schlegel, 1848 ITIS Taxonomic Serial No.: 700211. Retrieved January 9, 2009.
- Mehrtens, J. 1987. Living Snakes of the World. New York: Sterling. ISBN 0806964618.
External links
Credits
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- ↑ Mastenbroek, Richard (2002). Black Mamba. Richard Mastenbroek. Retrieved 2008-11-16.
- ↑ Perry, Mike (2001-2007). Black Mamba. African Reptiles and Venom. Retrieved 2008-11-16.
- ↑ Rang, H. P. (2003). Pharmacology. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 139. ISBN 0-443-07145-4.
