Hump-nosed Viper

The hump-nosed viper is a venomous pit viper found in peninsular India, as far north as the Western Ghats at about 16°N, and in Sri Lanka. It averages 30 to 45 cm in total length and has the stout body and wide head of a typical viper. The snout is pointed and turned upwards, ending in a hump. The colour pattern is grey with heavy brown mottling overlaid by a double row of large dark spots, the belly is brownish or yellowish with dark mottling, and the tail tip is yellow or reddish (Wikipedia, general species account).

It lives in dense jungle and in coffee plantations in hilly country. It is active in the early morning and at night, and spends the day in leaf litter and thick bushes. Although a slow mover it can strike fast, has an irritable disposition, and vibrates its tail when annoyed. Nationally Least Concern (Sri Lanka National Red List 2012).