Indian Pit Vipers

Description:

Pit vipers are some of the most beautiful, and most dangerous, snakes in the world. They exist on several different continents, and within a wide variety of habitats. They are masters of the hunt, armed with some amazing "tools" for finding and killing their prey.

Habitat:

Found in most of the peninsular India's hills. Not found in Indian Islands, Thar desert, North-east states and regions above Gangetic plains. Recorded from following states: Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, Telangana.


Physical Description:


These snakes range in size from the diminutive hump-nosed viper, Hypnale hypnale, that grows to an average only 30–45 cm (12–18 in), to the bushmaster, Lachesis muta; a species known to reach a maximum of 3.65 m (12.0 ft) in length.

Behavior:

Although a few species are highly active by day, such as Trimeresurus trigonocephalus, a bright green pit viper endemic to Sri Lanka, most are nocturnal, preferring to avoid high daytime temperatures and to hunt when their favored prey are also active. The snakes' heat-sensitive pits are also thought to aid in locating cooler areas in which to rest.

Diet: 

Feeds mainly on frogs and rodents. Also feeds on other snakes and small birds. Foraging done in ambush manner and don't follow chasing its prey.