170 THE SNAKES OF SOUTH AFRICA. 



Scales in 25 rows. 9 upper labials ; upper 

 anterior temporal twice as long as the 

 lower . . . . . . . . . . . . Dendraspis mamha. 



1. Dendraspis angusticeps. Mamba or Tree Cobra, 



Synonyms — Naja angusticeps ; Chloroschis angusticeps ; Dendraspis 



interniedius ; Dinophis angusticeps. 

 Colour — Green, olive or blackish, uniform or some of the scales edged 



with black ; yellowish or pale green beneath ; caudal scales 



and shields not black-edged. 



A. Uniform dark olive or blackish above. Yellowish-white beneath. 



B. Uniform leaf-green above, shading into lighter green below. 



Some specimens are bright greenish-blue. 

 Average length — 6 to 9 feet. Attains a length of 13 feet. 

 Distribution— Natal ; Zululand ; Transvaal ; Southern Rhodesia ; 



West Africa, south of the Congo ; East and Central Africa. 



2. Dendraspis mamba. Cough's Mamba. 



Colour — Dark oUve-green above, bluish-green below, skin between the 



scales very dark purple. 

 Distribution — Transvaal. 



The Cape Cobra {Naia flava). 



Also known as the Geel Slang, Bruin Slang, Zwart Slang, 

 Spoeg Slang. 



Tlie Cape Cobra is common all over tJie Cape Colony. Farther 

 north in Natal, Transvaal, and more northern parts of South 

 Africa, the Banded or Egyptian Cobra, Black-necked Cobra, and 

 Anchieta's Cobra take its place. 



The Cape Cobra is universally feared, and well it might be, 

 for it is a highly venomous, bold and courageous snake. When 

 molested it instantly faces its foe, with body reared and hood 

 expanded. If tormented it works itself up into a furious rage, 

 and will not hesitate to attack its aggressor. During the pairing 

 season the male is particularly aggressive, and will boldly face 

 and often chase anj^ one intruding into its haunts. As a general 

 rule, when molested, the Cobra will rear in a threatening manner, 

 and, seizing its opportunity, glides off amongst the grass, under- 

 growth, or into crevices or holes. If chased it will always rear 

 and face its enemy whenever he gets within a few yards of it. 



A friend once ventured into a kloof in search of wild flowers. 

 He was suddenly confronted by a large yellow variety of Cape 

 Cobra. He lost his nerve and ran. The Cobra followed, and he. 

 not being able to make much progress in the tangled bush, was 

 overtaken and bitten. We saw him staggering towards the 



