Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Serpentes | |
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Similar Hypnale nepa, Hypnale, Hypnale hypnale, Rhinophis, Aspidura | ||
Hypnale zara is a venomous pitviper species endemic to Sri Lanka. It is distinguished from Hypnale nepa by variably colored body and less upcurved snout. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Contents
Distribution
Restricted to the lowland rain forests of the south-western wet zone up to foot hills of the central highlands.
Ecology
A nocturnal snake.
Destription
10-19 minute scales from wart-like protuberance on the snout tip. 18-39 heterogeneous small scales on inter nasal to prefromtal region can be seen. Scales around eye are 6. Supralabials 7-8. Costal scales are keeled. Ventrals are 134-157 in number. Subcaudals may 34-51.
Dorsum color ranges from yellowish brown to dark brown, sometimes deep red. Two rows of distinct sub-oval or sub-triangular blotches meet on vertebral region. A dark stripe across eye and cheek. Venter is lighter than dorsum, sometimes light ash-gray.
Reproduction
Ovoviviparous.