Boomslang


Boomslang 

 boomslang, (Dispholidus typus), venomous snake of the family Colubridae, one of the few colubrid species that is decidedly dangerous to humans. This moderately slender snake grows to about 1.8 metres (6 feet) in length and occurs in savannas throughout sub-Saharan Africa. When hunting, it lies in wait in a bush or tree for chameleons and birds; the forepart of the body often extends motionless into air .

Its body and eye colour are extremely variable, and camouflage is excellent. In defense the boomslang inflates the neck, showing the dark skin between the scales; it then may strike. It is rear-fanged, but the fangs are set relatively far forward in the mouth. The venom causes hemorrhages and can be fatal to humans in small amounts.Its name means "tree snake" in Dutch and Afrikaans. It is a colubrid, the largest family of snakes, found on every continent except Antarctica.

Like all snakes, boomslangs do not chew – they swallow everything whole.

The venom of boomslangs can disrupt the clotting of blood, and this can kill a person. Even a small scratch can be fatal. After a bite, one can sometimes feel a headache, nausea, sleepiness, and get a mental disorder. This does not happen often, as boomslangs only bite humans when they feel attacked.

Its eyes are large in proportion to its head; they have binocular vision that helps them spot their prey. Its scientific name is Dispholidus typus. 

Many venomous members of the family Colubridae are harmless to humans because of small venom glands and inefficient fangs. However, the boomslang is a notable exception in that it has a highly potent venom, which it delivers through large fangs located in the back of the jaw.The boomslang is able to open its jaws up to 170° when biting.The venom of the boomslang is primarily a  hemotoxin.

Because boomslang venom is slow-acting, symptoms may not become apparent until many hours after the bite.

An adult boomslang has 1.6 to 8 mg of venom.

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