Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Dendraspis

Dendraspis

9.9
A former scientific name for a group of highly venomous African snakes like mambas
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛn.drə.spɪs/
  • Archaic
translation icon : Dendraspis
  • The black mamba was once classified in the genus Dendraspis before being placed in Dendroaspis.

Examples

  • In older classifications, the green mamba was listed under the genus Dendraspis, highlighting its venomous nature.

  • Some older scientific texts still refer to mambas as Dendraspis species.

  • A specialist explained that Dendraspis is now considered a synonym of Dendroaspis.

  • The Dendraspis is known for its potent venom.

  • Many people fear the Dendraspis due to its deadly bite.

  • The black mamba is a species of Dendraspis, known for its aggressive behavior and potent venom.

  • Researchers are studying the Dendraspis for its unique adaptations to its environment.

Synonyms

mamba
vsDendraspis
  • South African
3 8.7

A large fast African snake with a very dangerous bite

is the higher taxonomic group that includes those individual snake species
Dendroaspis
vsDendraspis
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of large, very venomous African snakes called mambas

is used when the genus name may be outdated or former

Surface Forms

Dendraspis singular
Dendraspises plural

Etymology

Dendraspis comes from Greek parts dendro- meaning 'tree' and asp meaning the snake 'asp'. So it literally says 'tree asp', a neat image to remember these mambas are dangerous snakes that often live in trees.