Sinhala: Polonthelissa (also known as kunakatuwa)
There are three species of hump nose vipers in Sri lanka.All three species look similer in colouration, size and habits. The hump nose iper is a small snake. Its average length is 300mm, and its common colour is brown, with dark brown spots on its body.
The hump nose viper is a common snake widely distributed in the island. It is mainly confined to plantations like rubber, coffee, cocoa, tea and coconut. It is also found in degraded firests and grasslands. In some areas the Merrem's hump nose viper is known as kunakatuwa, or geta polanga.How ever, the correct sinhala name is pononthelissa. it is a moderately venomous snake.
It feed in mice, lizards, frogs and eggs of other reptiles. The female produces young ones direct, and the clutch range from 5 to 25.It colouration and resting posture resembles a dry curled up leaf. It harmonizes well with the enironment it frequents; hence it is difficult to detect it in its natural habitats. This is one reason there are many snake bits come sup from this snake around the country. how ever only about two percent of these bites are fatal. There is no anti-venom to neutralize its venom presently available in Sri lanka. Wearing boots or shoes can prevent bites from this snake as majority of hump nose viper bites are inflicted below the ankle. Sometimes they bite on the hands while weeding, cutting grass and harvesting. Some believe the hump nose viper is born from rubbish.
© Chathura J.Perera
