Western green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis)
Snakes · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Western green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis) (origin: West Africa – rainforest). Adult size around 180–240 cm. Life expectancy 15–20 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Western green mamba: How big does the enclosure need to be?
From 240×180×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, mambas).
Western green mamba: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 25–30 °C, basking spot 31–33 °C, at night 21–24 °C.
Western green mamba: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: UVB recommended.
Western green mamba: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 15–20 years.
Western green mamba: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 25–30 °C
- Night temperature
- 21–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 31–33 °C
- Humidity
- 70–85 %
- UVB
- UVB recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- from 240×180×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, mambas)
- Substrate
- Coco humus, sturdy climbing branches, dense planting
Feeding
- Food
- Frozen-thawed mice, chicks
- Feeding interval
- adults every 10–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 180–240 cm
- Life expectancy
- 15–20 years
- Origin
- West Africa – rainforest
- Protection status
- VENOMOUS – a neurotoxin; a dangerous animal under German state law
- 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
Strikingly yellow-green edged scales. Arboreal, very fast, and considered more irritable than D. angusticeps.
Do you keep this species?
Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →
Look for Western green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis) in the marketplace →
Related species
- Eastern green mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) – Expert
- Jameson's mamba (Dendroaspis jamesoni) – Expert
- Black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis) – Expert
- Savanna vine snake (Thelotornis capensis) – Expert
- Egyptian cobra (Naja haje) – Expert
- Egyptian saw-scaled viper (Echis pyramidum) – Expert
- Barnett's lancehead (Bothrops barnetti) – Expert
- Usambara bush viper (Atheris ceratophora) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Western green mamba (Dendroaspis viridis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (from 240×180×200 cm (minimum size according to the 1997 expert report, mambas)), substrate (Coco humus, sturdy 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/Gr%C3%BCne_Mamba, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dendroaspis_viridis
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).