Field guide
Merrem's hump-nosed pit viper
පොළොං තෙලිස්සා · polon thelissa
Hypnale hypnale
Venomous
A bite from this species is a medical emergency.
Causes the highest number of snakebites in Sri Lanka; not covered by antivenom.
How to identify
1Upturned, pointed snout (hump nose)
2Grey-brown with dark triangular blotches
3Triangular head, thin neck, short body
If bitten
Serious bite — seek hospital care urgently. Reassure and keep the victim still, immobilise the limb, remove tight items. Do NOT cut, suck, tourniquet or ice. Local swelling and kidney injury can develop; no specific antivenom exists, so early hospital monitoring is vital.
Up to 0.5 m
Length
Nocturnal & crepuscular
Active
Frogs
Diet
Where it's found
Wet zoneIntermediate zoneHill country
Leaf litter of home gardens, plantations, forest edges and paddy bunds.