Western Green Mamba — Care Sheet & Morphs

Q: How big does an adult Western Green Mamba get?

An adult Western Green Mamba typically measures 1.4–1.8 m.

Husbandry requirements

Western Green Mamba — origin: West Africa: coastal rainforests and wooded areas from Senegal and the Gambia to southwestern Nigeria (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin). A species of rainforest canopy and forest edge..

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side24–26 °C

Warm side28–30 °C

Basking spot30–33 °C

A diurnal, heliophilic species that thermoregulates up high: provide an arboreal hot spot around 30-33 °C (guarded to prevent any burns), a gradient down to the cool zone, and a moderate nighttime drop to around 22-24 °C. Avoid excessive temperatures and unguarded hot spots.

Enclosure (adult)

120 × 60 × 150 cm

Tall arboreal terrarium, very well ventilated, fully lockable and escape-proof (a fast venomous species)

Minimum dimensions for an adult; larger and taller is strongly recommended for this very active species. Key-locking mandatory, a safety airlock advised, no opening through which the animal could pass. Numerous horizontal/diagonal climbing supports, sturdy branches and dense foliage up high to provide refuges and reduce stress.

Humidity

60–80 %

Humid tropical conditions but VERY well ventilated: stagnant humidity promotes respiratory infections. Daily misting, with a humidity peak during sheds.

Substrate

Coco fiberOrchid bark / forest topsoilSphagnum mossFree-draining bioactive substrate

A substrate that retains moisture while staying aerated to avoid stagnation and mold. The role of the floor remains secondary for this arboreal species: prioritize the vertical layout.

UVB

Recommended

Low to moderate UVB recommended for this diurnal species (Ferguson zone 2-3, target UVI ~2-3 at the high perches); pair it with a regular day/night cycle. Provide shaded areas.

Water source

Always available

Large container of clean water on the floor, renewed daily; the animal also drinks droplets on the foliage after misting. Maintain strict hygiene.

Origin

Elapidae

West Africa: coastal rainforests and wooded areas from Senegal and the Gambia to southwestern Nigeria (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin). A species of rainforest canopy and forest edge.

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — Birds, small rodents, bats and arboreal lizards in the wild

In captivity, dead/thawed prey suited to the snake's girth (mice, rats, chicks). Feed at a distance with long tongs for safety reasons. Adults fed roughly every 7-14 days; do not overfeed.

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 6–14 eggs/young. Clutch generally of 6 to 14 eggs. Incubation of about 85-90 days around 27-30 °C with high humidity; indicative values, captive breeding data limited.

Health watch points

Respiratory infections (insufficient ventilation, stagnant humidity, unsuitable temperatures)
Stomatitis (mouth rot / oral infection)
Dysecdysis (difficult shedding) and rostral abrasions caused by stress and rubbing against the walls
Internal and external parasites, common in wild-caught animals
Thermal burns and injuries linked to unguarded heat sources or to nervousness

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 2 documented genes for Western Green Mamba.

Axanthic (Blue Phase) blue mambaRec
Xanthic (Yellow Phase)Rec

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Western Green Mamba × Western Green Mamba

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the western green mamba.

How big does an adult Western Green Mamba get?▾

An adult Western Green Mamba typically measures 1.4–1.8 m (adult total length; record individuals exceeding 210 cm. a very slender, agile body; a long, prehensile tail with a tip that is often yellow, tan or rust-colored.).

What temperature and humidity does a Western Green Mamba need?▾

A gradient of roughly 24–26 °C on the cool side to 28–30 °C on the warm side, with a basking spot of 30–33 °C. Humidity 60–80 %.

What does a Western Green Mamba eat?▾

Carnivore: Birds, small rodents, bats and arboreal lizards in the wild.

Is the Western Green Mamba a good reptile for beginners?▾

Expert level. Nervous, quick and flighty. Less aggressive than the black mamba but will bite without hesitation if it feels cornered on its perch. An extremely fast and unpredictable climber. DANGER: a snake with potent neurotoxic/cardiotoxic venom, potentially fatal to humans. Reserved exclusively for experienced and legally authorized keepers. Plan ahead: a lifespan of 12–18 yrs.

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