Geckos

Geographical Origin and Habitat: This species is endemic to Sri Lanka and the rainforests of the Western Ghats in India. It lives on the forest floor, hiding beneath leaf litter and fallen logs.

Taxonomy and Genetics: The genus Hypnale comprises the hump-nosed pit vipers. They are small Asian crotalines equipped with heat-sensitive loreal pits.

Behavior and Habits: Terrestrial and primarily crepuscular. Relies heavily on camouflage and stays motionless for hours, striking only when directly provoked.

Morphology: Features a triangular head with an upturned snout tip. Colored in shades of brown or gray with dark blotches. Females are slightly larger than males.

Terrarium Setup: Horizontal enclosure with moist coco coir substrate covered by a thick layer of sterile leaf litter and flat pieces of cork bark.

Lighting and Heating: Keep daytime temperatures stable between 20°C and 28°C with a basking spot of 28°C. Provide low-output UVB lighting.

Humidity and Hydration: High humidity (70-85%). Mist regularly to replicate the rainforest understory and supply a shallow dish of clean water.

Feeding and Supplementation: Feed small thawed rodents, lizards, or frogs every 10-12 days. Dust prey items with calcium and multivitamin supplements.

Compatibility: Strictly solitary. House individually to prevent territorial clashes or stress.

Health and Common Diseases: Vulnerable to dehydration and shedding problems (dysecdysis) if humidity drops. Excess moisture without ventilation can cause scale rot.