The Boomslang is largely tree-living but may descend to the ground to bask. In trees it poses no threat to humans as it is extremely reluctant to bite, and bites are rare.
Full Name: Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
Other Names: Tree Snake
Classification: HIGHLY VENOMOUS
The Boomslang is largely tree-living but may descend to the ground to bask. In trees it poses no threat to humans as it is extremely reluctant to bite, and bites are rare.
Juveniles are grey with a massive emerald green eye but change to the adult colours around a length of 1 m. Most males are bright green, sometimes with black between the scales but in the Cape Provinces they are usually black above with green, yellow or orange sides. Females are brown in colour.
Boomslang venom is haemotoxic and compromises the blood clotting mechanism, causing uncontrolled bleeding if not treated. The South African Vaccine Producers manufacture a monovalent antivenom for bites from Boomslang that is very effective.
