Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper

The Sri Lankan Green Pit Viper is an island endemic restricted entirely to Sri Lanka, where it occupies a range of forested habitats from lowlands to mid-elevation hills. It is among the more commonly encountered venomous snakes on the island.

Its bright coloration and relatively calm arboreal habits make it a frequently photographed species within its native range.

• Bright green body, often with a yellow or white lateral stripe in males
• Reddish or golden eyes with vertical pupils, a distinctive feature of the species
• Triangular head clearly set off from a slender neck
• Prehensile tail often tipped in a contrasting color
• Keeled scales giving a slightly rough texture
• Distinguished from other green pit vipers primarily by its endemic Sri Lankan range and eye color

Occurs in wet zone rainforests, home gardens, plantations, and mid-elevation hill forests across Sri Lanka. Found from near sea level up into the central highlands, favoring humid, well-vegetated environments.

Nocturnal and arboreal, typically found coiled on low vegetation or shrubs. Feeds on frogs, lizards, small mammals, and birds. Reproduction is viviparous, producing live young after gestation.