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Mambas, of the genus Dendroaspis, are fast-moving tree-dwelling snakes of Africa. ("Dendroaspis" is literally "tree snake".) They are very venomous, with a potent neurotoxic venom that is often fatal to humans without access to proper first aid and subsequent antivenom treatment. Prior to the availability of antivenin, envenomations by members of this genus had a nearly 100% fatality rate. However, with antivenin being much more available today, fatalities have become much rarer.
The Western green mamba (D. viridis) and Eastern green mamba, (D. angusticeps), although less venomous than the Black mamba (D. polylepis), can also be rapidly fatal. They are slightly smaller, and are arboreal, whereas the latter is primarily terrestrial.
The black mamba is not named for the color of its body (which is usually a shade of grey), but for the highly pigmented interior of its mouth, which it gapes as a threat display. Many people believe that the Black Mamba will actually chase and attack humans. This is however an utter myth, as humans are 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.
In contrast to all other species in this genus, which are arboreal, black mambas reside in hollow insect mounds, abandoned burrows, and rock crevices. They are diurnal. During the day they actively hunt their prey of small mammals, birds and lizards. They return to the same lair nightly.
Trivia
Basketball star Kobe Bryant began referring to himself as "Black Mamba" for his rapid scoring ability and his ability to strike from anywhere.
The protagonist of the movie Kill Bill, The Bride, is also called Black Mamba
In A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, there is a snake called the Mamba du Mal ("dul Mal" means "of evil" in French).
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"Mamba"