Craspedocephalus trigonocephalus

(Donndorff, 1798)

Vernacular names
English : Sri Lankan pitviper
French : Crotale des bambous du Sri Lanka

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Viperidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults reach a length of 140 cm. Easily recognizeable. No ridge between eyes and snout. Coloration yellowish-green to green to turquoise, black edges on scales. Black markings forming ocelli on back, large post-ocular blotch.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in Southern Asia and is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, being found in most areas of the island except far north and south coasts. Lives in dry and wet forests, woodlands, plantations, below 1000 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a wide range and occurs in many different habitats. It is persecuted and caught for trade but these aren’t considered threats.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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