Craspedocephalus malabaricus is one of the most iconic and visually striking pit vipers of the Western Ghats. Known for its incredible colour variation, this species has long fascinated herpetologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Recent taxonomic research has clarified that what was once considered a single widespread species is actually a complex of several distinct lineages. C. malabaricus, in its strict sense, is now recognized as the population north of the Palghat Gap.

Appearance:
 This species is renowned for its extreme colour polymorphism. Individuals may be green, brown, purple, yellow, orange, brick red, or even cream, sometimes with beautiful zig-zag or saddle-shaped markings. Despite this diversity in colour, the species shares common structural features such as keeled scales, divided supraoculars, and a robust, triangular head.

Key Features:

  • Dorsal scale rows at midbody: 21–23

  • Ventral scales: ~145–149

  • Highly variable colour patterns, often with a contrasting post-ocular stripe

  • Divided supraoculars (scales above the eyes)

  • Tail tip usually dark or blackish

  • Geographically restricted to north of the Palghat Gap

Habitat:
 C. malabaricus is found in a variety of forest types, including evergreen, moist deciduous, and riparian forests. It is often encountered in coffee plantations and forest fringes, especially in elevations from 100 to 1800 meters above sea level. It is a primarily arboreal species but can be found on the ground during rainy nights.

Range:
 This species is restricted to the central and northern Western Ghats, including:

  • Maharashtra (e.g., Mahabaleshwar)

  • Goa and Karnataka (e.g., Castle Rock, Coorg)

  • Northern Kerala

  • Nilgiris and adjoining hills, north of the Palghat Gap

It is replaced to the south by its relatives C. anamallensis and C. travancoricus.

Behavior and Ecology:
 C. malabaricus is nocturnal, slow-moving, and highly cryptic. It relies on camouflage to avoid predators and ambush prey, which includes frogs, lizards, and small mammals. Like other pit vipers, it possesses heat-sensing facial pits for detecting warm-blooded prey. It is venomous, but bites are rare and typically occur only when the snake is provoked.

Conservation Note:
 Although still locally common in many areas, Craspedocephalus malabaricus depends on healthy forest ecosystems. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and roadkills pose threats in some parts of its range. Protection of riparian corridors and plantation shade trees is vital for its continued survival.