Specimens vary considerably in colour, including olive, yellowish-brown, khaki and gunmetal but are rarely black. The scales of some individuals may have a purplish sheen. Individuals occasionally display dark mottling towards the posterior, which may appear in the form of diagonal crossbands. Black mambas have greyish-white underbellies and the inside of the mouth is dark bluish-grey to nearly black. Mamba eyes range between greyish-brown and shades of black; the pupil is surrounded by a silvery-white or yellow colour. Juvenile snakes are lighter in colour than adults; these are typically grey or olive green and darken as they age. It can lunge with approximately 40% of its body from its threat display. Sudden movements during such a display are likely to provoke it to strike. The venom is usually fatal within 20 minutes. Instinct: to chase away intruders

• Strike rapidly with venomous fangs
• Rear up and display its fangs to scare them off