Hypnale zara, the lowlands hump-nosed pit viper, is a venomous pit viper species endemic to Sri Lanka. It is distinguished from Hypnale nepa by variably colored body and less upcurved snout. No subspecies are currently recognized.[2]

Hypnale zara
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Serpentes
Family: Viperidae
Genus: Hypnale
Species:
H. zara
Binomial name
Hypnale zara
Gray, 1849
Synonyms
  • Trigonocephalus zara
    Gray, 1849 (part)
  • Hypnale zara
    Maduwage et al., 2009.

Description

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Hypnale zara has 10–19 minute scales extending from wart-like protuberances on the snout tip. Additionally, there are 18–39 heterogeneous small scales in the internasal to prefrontal regions, along with six scales around the eye and seven to eight supralabials. The costal scales are keeled, and there are 134–157 ventrals. Subcaudals may range from 34 to 51.[3]

Dorsum color ranges from yellowish brown to dark brown, sometimes deep red. Two rows of distinct sub-oval or sub-triangular blotches meet in the vertebral region. There is a dark stripe across the eye and cheek. Venter is lighter than dorsum, sometimes light ash-gray.[3]

Reproduction

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Hypnale zara is ovoviviparous.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "Hypnale zara". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
  2. ^ "Hypnale zara (Gray, 1849)". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Hypnale zara (Gray, 1849)". gbif.
  4. ^ "Hypnale zara". The Reptile Database.