Sri Lankan Pit Viper
Hypnale hypnale
A small, well-camouflaged pit viper once considered mildly venomous but now known to cause serious bites, including bleeding disorders.
- Venomous?
- Venomous
- Adult length
- 0.3-0.45 m (1-1.5 ft)
- Range
- Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of India
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Overview
The Sri Lankan Pit Viper, also known as the Hump-nosed Pit Viper, is a small terrestrial snake found in the wet forests of Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of India. Historically underestimated, its venom is now recognized as capable of causing significant medical effects.
Despite its diminutive size, it is one of the more frequently encountered venomous snakes within its range due to its camouflage and ground-dwelling habits.
How to identify it
- Small, stout body with rough, keeled scales
- Coloration in shades of brown, gray, or reddish-brown with darker triangular or blotched markings
- Upturned, slightly hump-shaped snout tip
- Triangular head distinct from the neck, with heat-sensing pits
- Vertically elliptical pupils
- Distinguished from other small vipers by its distinctive upturned snout
Habitat & range
Inhabits wet and moist forests, plantations, and leaf litter in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of southern India, typically at low to mid elevations.
Behavior, diet & reproduction
Primarily nocturnal and terrestrial, relying on camouflage among leaf litter to ambush prey. Feeds on frogs, lizards, and small mammals. Ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Sri Lankan Pit Viper dangerous?
Yes, its venom can cause significant medical effects and it is considered a medically important species within its range.
How can I identify it?
Look for its small size, rough scales, and distinctive upturned, hump-shaped snout.
Where is it found?
In wet forests of Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of southern India.
What does it eat?
Frogs, lizards, and small mammals, ambushed from leaf litter.
Sri Lankan Pit Viper guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Sri Lankan Pit Viper.
