Learn about some of the snakes commonly seen in Sri Lanka, including medically important venomous snakes and harmless non-venomous species.
Sri Lanka is home to many snake species. Most are not dangerous to humans and are important for the environment. Some, however, are medically important venomous snakes and require urgent hospital care if a bite occurs.
Emergency Notice
- If a snakebite has occurred, go to the nearest hospital immediately. Do not wait for online identification.
- Do not try to catch, kill, or handle the snake.
- If safe, take a photograph from a distance and submit it through our identification service.
Medically Important Venomous Snakes
These snakes can cause serious or life-threatening envenoming.
Indian Cobra
Scientific name: Naja naja
Local name: Naya / Naagaya
Key features
- Expands a hood when threatened
- Usually brown to black in colour
- May show a spectacle-like mark on the hood
- Medium to large snake
Commonly seen in
- Home gardens
- Farmland
- Termite mounds
Cobra bites may cause
- Severe local tissue damage
- Drooping eyelids
- Difficulty breathing
- Paralysis
Common Krait
Scientific name: Bungarus caeruleus
Local name: Karawala
Key features
- Shiny black or dark blue-black body
- Narrow white bands
- Smooth, glossy appearance
- Usually active at night
Commonly seen in
- Villages
- Around houses
- Dry zone areas
- Gardens
Krait bites may cause
- Minimal pain at the bite site
- Progressive paralysis
- Difficulty breathing
- Life-threatening neurotoxicity
Sri Lankan Krait
Scientific name: Bungarus ceylonicus
Local name: Mudu Karawala
Key features
- Black body with narrow white bands
- Slender body
- Mostly nocturnal
- Endemic to Sri Lanka
Commonly seen in
- Wet zone areas
- Forested land
- Plantations
- Gardens
Why is matters
- This is a highly venomous endemic snake that can cause severe neurotoxic envenoming.
Russell’s Viper
Scientific name: Daboia russelii
Local name: Thith Polanga
Key features
- Thick, heavy body
- Triangular head
- Three rows of dark oval markings
- Distinct patterned back
Commonly seen in
- Dry zone
- Paddy fields
- Scrubland
- Roadsides
Russell’s viper bites may cause
- Bleeding tendency
- Kidney injury
- Shock
- Neurological features
- Serious systemic complications
Hump-nosed Pit Vipers
Scientific names: Hypnale hypnale, H. nepa, H. zara
Key features
- Small to medium-sized stout snake
- Broad triangular head
- Upturned snout
- Brown or mottled camouflage pattern
Commonly seen in
- Gardens
- Leaf litter
- Tea estates
- Wet and intermediate zones
These bites may cause
- Pain and swelling
- Tissue injury
- Blood clotting problems
- Kidney injury in some cases
Saw-scaled Viper
Scientific name: Echis carinatus
Local name: Veli Polanga
Key features
- Small viper
- Rough scales
- Brown body with pale markings
- May produce a rasping sound
Commonly seen in
- Dry coastal areas
- Sandy terrain
- Scrubland
Why it matters
This is a medically important venomous snake and requires urgent medical attention after a bite.
Other Snakes of Lower Medical Importance
These snakes may still bite and should not be handled, but they are generally of lower medical importance in humans.
Examples
- Cat snakes
- Vine snakes
- Sri Lankan coral snake
- Dog-faced water snake
Important: Any snakebite should still be assessed at a hospital.
Common Non-Venomous Snakes
Most snakes seen by the public are harmless and beneficial.
Rat Snake
Scientific name: Ptyas mucosa
Key features
- Long and slender
- Fast-moving
- Brown or olive colour
- Large eyes
Commonly seen in
- Gardens
- Roof spaces
- Farms
- Paddy fields
Why it is important
A harmless snake that helps control rats and other pests. It is often mistaken for a cobra.
Checkered Keelback
Scientific name: Fowlea piscator or related keelback species
Key features
- Brown or olive body
- Dark checkered markings
- Usually found near water
Commonly seen in
- Ponds
- Canals
- Marshes
- Paddy fields
Why it is important
A harmless water snake that feeds on fish and frogs.
Green Vine Snake
Scientific name: Ahaetulla species
Local name: Henakandaya/ Ahatulla
Key features
- Very slender green body
- Long pointed snout
- Excellent camouflage
- Tree-dwelling
Commonly seen in
- Trees
- Bushes
- Gardens
- Forest edges
Why it is important
Usually of low medical importance and should not be handled.
Wolf Snake
Scientific name: Lycodon species
Key features
Small to medium-sizedUsually dark with light bandsCommonly confused with kraits
Commonly seen in
- Houses
- Walls
- Gardens
- Human settlements
Why it is important
A harmless snake often mistaken for a venomous krait.
Bronzeback Tree Snake
Scientific name: Dendrelaphis species
Key features
- Slender body
- Bronze or brown colour
- Large eyes
- Active during daytime
Commonly seen in
TreesShrubsGardensForest edges
Why it is important
A harmless arboreal snake commonly seen in Sri Lanka.