Hump-nosed Viper

About the Hump-nosed Viper

Hypnale hypnale is a venomous pit viper species endemic to India and Sri Lanka. Common names include the hump-nosed viper, Merrem's hump-nosed viper hump-nosed pit viper, and Oriental hump-nosed viper. No subspecies are currently recognized.

H. hypnale grows to an average of 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) in total length (including tail). The Armed Forces Pest Management Board states 0.4 to 0.6 m (1 ft 4 in to 2 ft 0 in) in total length. Its build is that of a typical viperid with a stout body and a wide head. The snout is pointed and turned upwards, ending in a hump. The frontal, supraoculars, and parietal shields are large, but those on the snout are small and irregular.

The color pattern is grayish with heavy brown mottling, overlaid with a double row of large dark spots. The belly is brownish or yellowish with dark mottling. The tip of the tail is yellow or reddish. Hypnale hypnale is found in peninsular India to the Western Ghats as far north as 16° N, and in Sri Lanka, according to M.A. Smith (1943). The type locality given is "Castle Rock, Karnataka, India." Hypnale hypnale is found in dense jungle and coffee plantations in... Wikipedia →