boomslang (redirected from Dispholidus typus)

boomslang

Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)

(credit: Dade Thornton from The National Audubon Society Collection—Photo Researchers/EB Inc.)

Venomous snake (Dispholidus typus) of the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, the only species of its family that is decidedly dangerous to humans. When hunting, it lies in wait in a bush or tree for chameleons and birds; the forepart of the body often extends motionless into the air. The boomslang's body and eye colours are extremely variable and provide excellent camouflage. In defense it inflates its neck, showing the dark skin between the scales, and then may strike. Its venom causes hemorrhages and can be fatal to humans in small amounts.