Green Pit Viper

The green pit viper is most colorful and attractive snake in Kanneliya.color is green with black markings and the head has a black variegated pattern. The ventral aspect is greenish with a tinge of yellow. The colorations of this viper well merge into the foliage

Physical Characteristics
This snake can be identified from a distance by its green colouration with green quadrant shaped patches with black outlines. It has a large triangular head. The ventral aspect is greenish with a tinge of yellow.

Distribution and Conservation
Common in forests of central hills of the island at an altitude of 1000m (Kandy and Knuckles). Most often recorded at sea level. It is mainly confined to wet, intermediate and dry zone forests and submontane forests. It is also found in tea, coffee and cocoa plantations.

Habitat and diet
Lizards, birds and tree frogs account for a major proportion of its diet and preys upon rodents as well. This snake usually waits motionless until a suitable prey approaches or ambushes its prey. The prey is killed by its venom and often held in its mouth until dead, at which point the prey is swallowed whole.