About Hypnale hypnale (Merrem, 1820)
Scientific Name
This species is known scientifically as Hypnale hypnale (Merrem, 1820).
Total Length
Adult individuals reach an average total length (including the tail) of 30 to 45 cm, or 12 to 18 inches. The Armed Forces Pest Management Board gives a different total length range of 0.4 to 0.6 m, which equals 1 foot 4 inches to 2 feet 0 inches.
Body and Head Shape
It has the characteristic build of a viperid, with a stout body and a wide head. Its snout is pointed, turned upwards, and ends in a distinct hump.
Head Scale Characteristics
The large scales covering the top of its head (frontal, supraoculars, and parietal shields) are large, while the scales on its snout are small and irregular.
Dorsal Coloration
Its coloration is grayish with heavy brown mottling, marked with a double row of large dark spots.
Ventral and Tail Coloration
Its belly is brownish or yellowish with dark mottling, and the tip of its tail is yellow or reddish.
Geographic Distribution
According to M.A. Smith’s 1943 publication, Hypnale hypnale occurs from peninsular India, ranging north along the Western Ghats to 16° N, and also occurs across Sri Lanka. Its documented type locality is Castle Rock, Karnataka, India.
Habitat
It inhabits dense jungle and coffee plantations located in hilly areas.
Reproductive Mode
Reproductively, adult females are viviparous, giving birth to live young between March and July.
Brood Characteristics
Brood size ranges from 4 to 17 offspring, and newborns measure 13 to 14.5 cm, or 5.1 to 5.7 inches, in total length.
