Boomslang (Dispholidus typus)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) (origin: Sub-Saharan Africa – tree savannah). Adult size around 120–180 cm. Life expectancy 10–15 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Boomslang: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×80×150 cm (height).
Boomslang: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 32–33 °C, at night 19–22 °C.
Boomslang: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Boomslang: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 10–15 years.
Boomslang: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 19–22 °C
- Basking spot
- 32–33 °C
- Humidity
- 55–70 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×80×150 cm (height)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, plenty of climbing branches, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- Chicks, small frozen-thawed mice, lizard substitutes
- Feeding interval
- adults every 7–10 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 120–180 cm
- Life expectancy
- 10–15 years
- Origin
- Sub-Saharan Africa – tree savannah
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – haemotoxic, with strongly delayed effects (up to 24 h); a dangerous animal
- Brumation
- None
- Cohabitation
- Keep them singly. Snakes are solitary and do not seek company — a shared hide is competition for the best spot, not social behaviour. The concrete reason is the feeding accident: if two animals grab the same food item, one can swallow the other along with it. On top of that, once they are kept together you can no longer tell which animal has eaten and which is losing weight. For breeding, put them together under supervision and separate them again afterwards.
Notes
A rear-fanged colubrid, but medically highly significant: the coagulation disorder sets in only after hours, which is why bites are underestimated at first. A diurnal arboreal species with very good eyesight.
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What you need to start
To keep Boomslang (Dispholidus typus) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×80×150 cm (height)), substrate (Coco humus, plenty of climbing branches, dense planting), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boomslang, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Dispholidus&species=typus
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).