BOOMSLANG

Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) (Dispholidus typus), venomous snake of the family Colubridae, the only colubrid that is decidedly dangerous to man. Occurring in savannas throughout sub-Saharan Africa, it lies in wait in a bush or tree for chameleons and birds; the forepart of the body often extends motionless into the 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 is fatal to man in minuscule amounts.