01. Ceylon Tree Nymph

Common Name:   Ceylon Tree Nymph

Scientific Name:   Idea Iasonia 

Animal Family:   Nymphalidae

Size:   Adults typically have a wingspan of around 80-100 millimeters.

Population:   Population size can vary, but they are not considered to be in any immediate danger of extinction.

Found where:   Endemic to Sri Lanka, primarily found in forested areas.

Habitat & Food:   They inhabit tropical and subtropical forests, often found near streams or in damp areas.

Food:   As adult, they feed on nectar from various flowers, while caterpillars feed on the leaves of specific host plants. 

 

02. Pala Polaga

 

Common Name:   Sri Lankan green pit viper

Scientific Name:   Trimeresurus trigonocephalus

Animal Family:   Viperidae

Description:   20-25cm (7.9-9.8 in) at birth, and males grow to a maximum total length of 60-75cm (24-30 in). Generally, female tend to be larger and bulkier compared to males. While both sexes have similar coloration patterns, females may sometimes display slightly difference hues or patterns, but this can vary.

Found where:   All climatic zones of the island except at high elevations and in the arid zones.

Habitat:   This sluggish pit viper is usually encountered on low shrubs during morning hours, but it mostly occupies in grasslands and rain forests.

Food:   Feeds on frogs, lizards, birds, small mammals, and birds.

01. Damkola Pethiya

 

Common Name :   Sri Lanka Filamentd Barb

Scientific Name:   Dawkinsia Singhala

Animal Family:   Cyprinidae 

Population:   Common 

Description:   Grow up to 7- 8 cm. Filamentous dorsal fin with elongated ray are absent in females. Younger have 3 black bands on body which fade with maturity.

Habitat:   Asia: Sri Lanka. This species was previously identified as Puntius filamentous in Sri Lanka. Found in wet, dry and intermediate zones. Found in variety of habitats from slow flowing streams.

Food: They often feed on variety of food sources such as aquatic plants, insects , worms and small fish

01. Mudu Karawala

Common Name:   Ceylon krait / Sri Lankan krait

Scientific Name:   Bungarus ceylonicus

Animal Family:   Elapidae

Description:   The average adult length for this species is 75cm (291/2inch) with 90cm (351/2 in) being the upper limit. There may be slightly differences in size, with female potentially being slightly larger or smaller than male4s, but this can vary and it not a reliable distinguishing. Both males and females typically have similar black and white banding patterns along their bodies.

Found where:   In the wet zone of the island

Habitat:   In shaded home gardens, plantations and rainforests. 

Food:   They are terrestrial, feeding mainly on other snakes but also on frogs, lizards, and small mammals.