දියපර/ගොඩපර[Diyapara/Godapara](Dillenia suffruticosa)

Native plant of Sumatra, Malaysia and Borneo. Introduced to Peradeniya botanical garden as an ornamental tree in late nineteenth century. It becomes an invasive plant in stream banks, forest edges, wastelands, roadsides and neglected plantations of wet lowlands. A bright yellow flower of this species is the key to distinguish it from other three indigenous varieties of Dillenia (with white flowers) grows in Sri Lanka. 

Mysore clock vine (Thunbergia mysorensis)

Native climber of Mysore region of southern India. It is cultivated in Sri Lankan home gardens usually as a shade to verandahs of houses. 

Jungle Threadtail (Elattoneura caesia)

An endemic and rare damselfly of mid elevations of the country, found along streams in primary rain forests .

මුස්සැන්ද/වෙල්-බුත්සරණ[Mussenda, Wel-but-sarana] (Mussaenda frondosa)

Mussenda is a common indigenous shrub of about 2m tall, grows in secondary forests, roadsides and forests edges in both dry and wet zone from sea level to about 4000ft altitude. White leaves of this plant are edible and fried and eaten like ‘papadam’. All most all parts of this plant have medicinal values. Congee made from all the parts of the plant are used to treat hepatitis while roots used for white leprosy and flowers for asthma, fever and dropsy. Leaves and flowers are also used to remove inflammations and as a detergent for ulcers (Medicinal plants used in Ceylon Part 4 – Jayaweera).

Peacock Pansy (Jumonia almana almana)

Common butterfly of low country paddy fields, chena cultivations and edges of tanks, becoming uncommon above the mid-hills. According to the D’abrera it is very hardy butterfly surviving even after the natural vegetation has been ruined by mankind. He elaborates that It is almost always the only butterflies found in vacant lots, deserted gardens, overgrown estates and the like (The Butterflies of Ceylon - D'abrera 1998). Larva of peacock pansy feeds on Yamazakia pusilla,  Hygrophila auriculata (ක‍ටු ඉකිරි/නීරමුල්ලිය),  Ruellia tuberosa (නිල් පුරුක්/Wayside tuberose/Minnieroot), Lindernia anagallis, Phyla nodiflora (හිරමන-දැත්ත/Frogfruit/Bank mat) and Lindernia antipoda (විල/Sparrow false pimpernel).

කෑරලා [Kerala]/Black-rumped Flameback(Dinopium benghalense)

Very common breeding resident of all climatic zones, occurs as two races in the island. Red backed woodpecker (D.b.psarodes) is the southern form distributed in forests, cultivations and home gardens of lowlands and hills while Golden-backed woodpecker (d.b.jaffnense) is mainly found in Northern coastal areas from Chilaw to Trincomalee. Two sub-species freely interbreed and intermediate forms occur in fringe areas. It lives as pairs and feeds on ants and such insects found inside tree barks and occasionally on ground. 

Torenia leucosiphon [As Torenia travancorica]

Common indigenous herb of shaded footpaths usually along forest borders of wet low country and lower hills. This Torenia species can be distinguished from other three species grows in Sri Lanka by orange-yellow color of lower half of corolla tube.  Flowering throughout the year. 

Pied parasol (Neurothemis tullia tullia)

Probably the most common dragonfly of the country found in rice fields, streams, river banks, marshes, tanks, lagoons etc. from lowlands to mid-hills. 

බිම්පොල්[Bim-Pol] (Trichopus zeylanicus)

An Indigenous herb distributed in wet lowlands and sometimes in intermediate zone. Exception is Ritigala in dry zone where this plant can be found about 600m asl. Found in shady forest floor, usually close to water courses. Flowering and fruiting possibly throughout the year and fruit edible. Varieties with varies leaf shapes and number of primary veins can be occurred.

Gladeye Bushbrown(Nissanga patnia patnia)

Very common butterfly of southern part of the country, being less common in northern areas. Its larva feeds on Ischaemum timorense, Cyrtococcum trigonum and Isachne globosa(බටදැල්ල) of the family Poaceae.

වල්-ඉද්ද/සුදු-ඉද්ද/ඉද්ද/කෙලිද්ද[Wal-idda/Sudu-idda/Idda/Kelidha](Wrightia antidysenterica [Syn: Walidda antidysenterica])

An endemic shrub of scrublands and secondary forest lands of the moist low country. Often cultivate in home gardens due to its sweet scented flowers blooming all the year round. In traditional medicine this plant is used to treat tonsillitis and bronchial diseases and flowers are used to cure the Russel’s viper bite.

Yellow-browed Bulbul/කහ කොණ්ඩයා/බැම කහ ගුලූගුඩුවා [Kaha Kondaya//Bama Kaha Guluguduwa] (Actritillas indica)

Locally common bird in wooded areas and near by gardens of wet zone and dense forests of dry zone. It ascends about 1500m of hills and absent in extreme North. Yellow-browed Bulbul occurs as two sub species in Sri Lanka and wet zone race (Iole indica guglielmi) is endemic to Sri Lanka. It feeds on insects and fruits. Usually found in as small flocks.

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Pink rain lily (Zephyranthes minuta [Syn: Zephyranthes grandiflora])

Herb native to Mexico, Cuba and Jamaica. Introduced as an ornamental plant and naturalized mainly in the hill country. 

Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor parinda)

Blue mormon is a common butterfly flying throughout the country in all elevations. It is one of the largest butterflies in the island which second only to the female Bird wing (Troides helena).  Male often settles on damp earth and river beds to absorb minerals. Larva feeds on varies plants of family Rutaceae (Atalantia ceylanica [වල් දෙහි/යකිනාරන්/‍යක් දෙහි], Atalantia monophylla, Atalantia rotundifolia, Citrus aurantiifolia [දෙහි], Citrus maxima, Citrus reticulata ,Citrus sinensis and Paramignya monophylla)

පඳුරු හාල්දණ්ඩා[Paduru Haaldanda]/Boulenger’s Bronze-back (Dendrelaphis bifrenalis)

Diurnal and non-venomous snake recorded from  wet and intermediate zones of lowlands to mid hills. However there are references of finding it from Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Trincomalee of northern dry zone*. Arboreal and feeds on frogs, geckos, skinks and agamid lizards. Sometimes descends to the ground and it is said that when moving on the ground it has a habit of keeping its head and part of fore body erect(Snakes of Sri Lanka A coloured atlas – Anslem de silva & jayantha Jinasena - 2009). This picture of Boulenger’s bronze-back devouring probably a Spotted tree frog was taken in a shrub jungle of Ambagaspitiya of Gampaha district.

* Though Anslem de Silva (Snakes of Sri Lanka A coloured atlas – Anslem de silva & jayantha Jinasena - 2009) has given Wall (1921) as the reference for its distribution in Mulativu and Vavuniya there is not such a mentioning in Frank Wall’s Snakes of Ceylon(1921) page 218 where distribution of Dendrelaphis bifrenalis only includes Punagalla, Yatiyantota, Balangoda and Galle. 

රත් කොබෝලීල[Rat-koboleela]/Purple orchid tree (Bauhinia purpurea)

Macmillan in 1910 suggested Bauhinia purpurea as a flowering tree suitable for the gardening in low or median elevations due to its “very showy large flowers of a pink shade merging into purple” (Tropical planting and Gardening with special reference to Ceylon - page 80).  It is a native plant of either Southeast Asia (According to the Revised handbook to the Flora of Ceylon Vol 7) or India (According to the Illustrated field guide to the flowers of Sri Lanka J. &J. de Vlas 2008) introduced and widely cultivating in Sri Lankan home gardens. Still it is not naturalized in Sri Lanka.

කහ මැටිකොකා[Kaha Matikoka]/Yellow bittern ( Ixobrychus sinensis)

Common breeding resident supplemented by winter migrants. Mainly distributed in marshes and  reed-beds bordering canals, tanks and rivers of wet zone. Also found in some areas of the dry zone lowlands and occasionally in hills. It feeds on fishes, frogs, crabs and certain water insects. Usually encountered as solitary birds or as pairs moving very slowly among waterside vegetations. Where It waits motionless and suddenly plunges and catch the prey. Though nocturnal and crepuscular it can be seen active even during the day time.

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මදටිය[Madatiya]/Saga seed tree/Red sandalwood/Coral tree (Adenanthera pavonina)

An indigenous tree of low country up to about 1300m a.s.l. It is rare in wild but commonly cultivating in home gardens. Hard red wood of this tree is used to make furnitures and red dye yields from wood is used by Brahmins in India to place marks on their foreheads. Pulp made out of seeds with borax and water has a medicinal value. Seeds also use as weights in jewelry industry.
Flowers – Small white cream flowers in long racemes turn to yellow with age.

Scalloped Spreadwing (Lestes praemorsus decipiens)

As their name implies Spreadwings can be easily distinguished from other damselflies by their habit of holding their wings wide open at rest. Scalloped spreadwing can be identified by its scalloped pattern on the thorax and very long, up curved anal appendage (insert). It is rather rare damselfly of edges of ponds, lakes and marshes in lowlands up to lower hills in both dry and wet zone.

අළු කොබෙයියා[Alu Kobeiyya]/Spotted dove (Stigmatopelia chinensis ceylonensis)

Very common breeding resident of gardens and cultivations of almost everywhere of the country and dry zone forests while less common in the hill country. It lives in pairs and they breed practically throughout the year, probably each pair nesting several times in the year. Spotted dove feeds on grains, seeds of grasses and weeds obtains from the ground.  

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සුදු කොතල[Sudu Kotala]/Wild guava (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa)

Large shrub or small tree grows in open places of the hill country above 1500m a.s.l. Indigenous,  Also distributed in India, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Orange-faced Sprite (Pseudagrion rubriceps ceylonicum)

Very common endemic damselfly distributed in both wet and dry zone up to lower hills. It inhabits weedy edges of tanks, paddy fields, streams, canals, lagoons and rivers. Female similar to male but with less blue markings at the anal appendage.

ඇහැටුල්ලා[Ahatulla]/ Green vine snake (Ahaetulla nasuta)

Mildly venomous snake of gardens, forests, scrublands, cultivation etc. from lowlands to about 1000 m a.s.l of the hill country.  Arboreal and diurnal. It preys on lizards, frogs, small mammals, and birds. There are records of even tadpoles, fishes and other snakes in its diet (Sri Lankawe Sarpayan – Ruchira Somaweera 2006) 

දෙමළිච්චා [Demalichcha]/Yellow-billed babbler/Seven sisters(Turdoides affinis taprobanus)

Very common breeding resident of Gardens, cultivations and forested areas close to anthropogenic habitats but rare in the higher hills and thick forests. Usually found in flocks of several birds often more than seven, hence the name ‘seven sisters’.  It feeds on both insects and vegetable stuffs and most of its food is taken on the ground. Main breeding season is from March to May and perhaps again in August-November. 

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වෙලුක්[Weluk] (Boucerosia umbellata [Syn: Caralluma umbellata])

A rare perennial herb growing on rocky outcrops of dry and intermediate zones of the island. Flowering in January or August to September. This plant use as an ingredient to prepare poultice to draw out broken pieces of thorns or spikes from the body and to prepare an oil in treating dislocation of bones (Medicinal plants used in Ceylon part 1 – Jayaweera 2006)

Long-eared false vampire bat/ කොටිකන් වවුලා[Kotikan wawula] (Megaderma spasma)

Even though true vampire bats have not been found in Sri Lanka, it is home to two species of false vampire bats. Long-eared false vampire bat can be found from lowlands to lower hills of the island. During day time these bats roost as small colonies usually consist of 2-12 individuals in abandoned houses, caves or in a hollow of a tree. It is much fond of tilled roofed houses. Late evening it emerges from its day time retreats and flies low among bushes in search of insects like beetles, grasshoppers, moths etc. 

Kabaragoya/Water Monitor (Varanus salvator)

Common lizard of wet lands such as mangroves, tanks, paddy fields, canals and also streams in forests of all climatic zones from coasts to mid hills.  But Deraniyagala mentioned that Water monitor is absent in areas subject to drought that are frequented by wild boar which prey upon it (A Colored atlas of some vertebrates from Ceylon – Tetrapod reptilia Vol 2 -1953). He also indicated that it is unknown from south-east part of the country from Hambegamuwa to Tissamaharama. However recent researches on distribution of this lizard suggested that it is present in that area excluding Yala National Park [Probably due to the high abundance of crocodiles] but very rare (Lizards of Sri Lanka – Ruchira Somaweera 2009). It is mainly a scavenger and feed on carrions, fishes, crabs, eggs of water birds, turtles and crocodiles, birds, small mammals, snakes etc. 

Large Oak Blue (Arhopala amantes amantes)

Rather rare butterfly found in and around forest areas from lowlands to foothills, especially close to water courses. When resting It often settles on the under side of leaves and males sometimes comes to damp earth to absorb minerals. Larva feeds on Terminalia catappa (කොට්ටම්බා/කොට්ටන්/Indian almond/Country almons), Terminalia chebula, Syzygium caryophyllatum (දං/හීන් දං) , Syzygium cumini (මාදන්/මහ දන්/Black Plum/Java Plum/Jamuna Tree/Indian Blackberry/Jambola)

and Terminalia arjuna (කුඹුක්) leaves.

මල් පිළිහුඩුවා/Common Kingfisher/Malpilihuduwa (Alcedo atthis)

Common resident bird of almost all fresh water bodies throughout the island while getting less common in higher hills. Lives in pairs and each pair occupy a demarcated territory which they guard from others of its own species.  Breed during first half of the year (February to June) in a burrow dug out in a bank of a stream, tank or sometime in a side of manmade well. Male birds can be distinguished from female by having all black bill while females and immatures have reddish lower mandible base.  

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ගල් ගොරකා[Gal goraka]/Pitch apple/monkey apple/Balsam apple/(Clusia hilariana [Syn: Clusia rosea])

Shrubby tree native to West Indies and introduced as an ornamental plant to Sri Lanka. Naturalized in the hill country, mainly on rocks in open areas and it is considered as an invasive plant.

Rhino horn Lizard (Ceratophora stoddartti)

An endemic lizard of Sri Lanka inhabiting central hills from 1500-2200 m a.s.l. It can be found in home gardens, natural forest areas and cultivations in Nuwaraeliya, Horton plains, peak wilderness, Hakgala, Namunukula etc. Namunukula population is restricted to very limited area and geographically isolated from central hills. It feeds on insects, caterpillars and also earth worms when foraging on ground. It is usually found in tree trunks though not uncommon in terrestrial habitats too.  It can change its color from green to brown in a considerable rapidity when descending from tree trunk to the ground (Lizards of Sri Lanka - Ruchira Somaweera 2009)

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Adam’s Gem (Libellago adami)

An endemic damselfly inhabiting canals, streams and rivers of lowland wet zone to lower hills.  It is rather common comparative to other three Libellago species.

Little Cormorant/ Punchi Diyakawa (Phalacrocorax niger)

Little Cormorant is very common resident bird in water bodies of low country. Large flocks can be seen in dry zone and occasional visitors in the hills. It is a good swimmer as well as a diver and while fishing it can stay underwater for a while and re-emerged some distance from where it dives. Usually it sits for long period on a dead tree, half sub-merged rock or river bank with its wings spread to dry them up.  It breeds during North-East monsoons starting from October to April in colonies on trees standing in water in tanks, often with many other water birds such as Indian cormorants, night herons, pond herons, egrets, storks, etc.

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Giant sensitive plant/Creeping mimosa (Mimosa diplotricha [Syn: Mimosa invisa])

Woody herb with long trailing stems native to Brazil and introduced to other tropical countries. It is considered as a serious invasive plant. In Flora of Ceylon Volume 1 it is mentioned that this species was once found along the road outside Agricultural station in Peradeniya and it was imported as a green manure (Dassanayaka & Fosberg 1980). However today it is one of widely spread weed of waste lands, along roads and secondary shrub lands etc. 

පුත්තලම් බූරුවා[Puttalam Booruwa]/Puttalam ass (Equus asinus)

Feral donkeys found in both Mannar Island and Kalpitiya peninsula of Sri Lanka are believed to be decedents of domestic breeds imported during either colonial time or even earlier by Arab traders. (Manual of the Mammals of Sri Lanka - Phillips 1984) They are usually light grey color animals though  blacks and browns are also known.  According to the Santiapillai (Sri Lanka Nature 2000) species in Sri Lanka is Equus afcricanus with close affinities with the wild Nubian sub species.

             

Pioneer (Belenois aurota taprobana)

Pioneer is a common butterfly found in the dry zone of low lands and sometime in wet zone, though not common in all year rounds. Its best months appear to be between September and February (The Butterflies of Ceylon - D'abrera 1998).  It joins with migrating flights during North-East monsoons and mud-pudding with other species can be observed too. Its larva feeds on plants of Capparaceae family such as Capparis brevispina, Cadaba trifoliata, Capparis grandis, Capparis sepiaria, Capparis zeylanica (සුදු වෙළන්ගිරිය) and Maerua arenaria. Egg laying only was observed on Salvadora persica (මලිත්තන් /Mustard Tree) too.

Skipper Frog/Utpatana Madiya (Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis)

Widely distributed frog, inhabiting all types of water bodies (prefer still water) from Sea level (Ex: Bundala) to higher elevations (Ex: Nuwaraeliaya).  It can be distinguished from its close relative Euphlyctis hexadactylus by its smaller size (50-60 mm from snout to vent) and smooth throat (hexadactylus has warts on its throat).  It is well adapted to aquatic life and frequently can be seen floating in water while keeping its bulging eyes and the nostril above the water surface. It can skip over the water surface when alarmed and hence its Vernacular names(Skipper/Utpatana).  

පැණි කුරුල්ලා[Pani kurulla]/Long-Billed Sunbird/Loten’s Sunbird (Nectarinia lotenia lotenia)

Long-Billed Sunbird is a very common bird of all climatic zones of the island while getting less common in higher hills.  Often found close to human settlements probably due to abundant of flowering plants, nectar of them it feeds on. Beside that it also feeds on several small insects, spiders and caterpillars. Breeding season is from February to May and the nest a hanging pear shaped structure with an entrance in the side in wet zone. And in dry zone it utilizes a larger communal nest of a certain spider by pressing a cavity into the side of it. 

Baobab (Adansonia digitata)

         

Genus Adansonia to which this tree belong has 6 species in Madagaskar, 2 in Australia and one species in tropical Africa. African species was introduced to Sri Lanka and naturalized in arid zone of the country. It is believed that it was introduced to Sri Lanka by Arab traders in several centuries ago. Here it grows in Mannar peninsula and opposite mainland, Delft island, Wilpaththu and Puththam. Trunk of it is hollowed out by African natives and made into houses, Fibers of the bark use to manufacture of ropes and young leaves as a vegetable. Pulp of the capsule contain tartaric acid and make a drink mix with water. Baobab has Tamil vernacular names – Perukku-Maran and Papparappuli. English Name  ‘Monkey bread tree’ since monkeys are fond of capsules. Aliyagaha – Sinhala name (Sri lanka wild life interlude vol l ) It is said that the tree in Pallimunai of Mannar island is the oldest and largest one of 800 years old. Local tradition is that this tree brought to SL by Arabs to feed their camels by its leaves. 

ඕලු මුවා/වැලි මුවා[Olu muwa/ Welli Muwa]/Barking Deer/Muntjack (Muntiacus muntjak malabaricus)

Found in forest areas throughout the Island though much common in lower hills.  Usually met alone or as pairs in forest edges always not much away from a dense cover to which it can retreat when a threat occurred. It feeds during night but can be also seen during early morning or late evening hours. It has a very peculiar cry which resembles to the barking of a dog. Hence its English name. Sometime it keep on barking intermittently for long period when alarmed by a leopard or such a intruder. Its food consist of grasses and leaves.

Merremia emarginata

Rather rare prostrate vine found in sandy places of dry zone. Indigenous. Also found in tropical Africa, tropical Asia and Malaysia.  Specimens were collected from Mannar, Kekirawa, Trincomalee, Batticola, Yala national park (Flora of Ceylon Vol 1 – Dassanayaka & Fosberg, 1980). Above picture was taken at Manthei of Mannar district

Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)

Very common migrant to lagoons and coastal marshes and tanks of dry zone especially in Northern and South-eastern part of the country. Sometimes it occurs in flocks of many hundreds. It feeds by up-ending in shallow waters of lagoons. And during night it flies to the paddy fields to feed on grains and aquatic animals.  Eventhough it is said that it feeds during night and roost on sandbanks or on the water of lagoons well out in the middle during day time (Henry 1998 3^rd Edition & Kotagama & Rathnaveera 2010) I have observed in Vankalai sanctuary of Mannar that it is feeding even during dawn till 8-9 am and again in dusk.  Probably due to the prevailing safe situation there around army camp where hunting of them is impossible.

Common Bluetail (Ischnura senegalensis)

Common small damselfly with  about 20-24 abdomen and 13-16mm hind wing. It inhabits from sea level to 7000ft both in dry and wet zones

Golden Angle (Caprona ransonnettii)

A rare butterfly of low country dry zone found from sea level to about 1000m altitude. Its larva feeds on Lihiniya plant (Helicteres isora), Grewia hirsuta, Grewia damine, Urena lobata, and Microcos paniculata

ඇත්-නෙරෙන්චි[Et-Nerenchi]/Common pedalium (Pedalium murex)

A very common herb along sandy beaches of the dry zone. Flowering from February to September and perhaps in other months.  Flowers open in the morning and close late in the afternoon.

Caspian Tern/කැස්පියා සාගරළිහිණියා/රත්තුඩු මුහුදුළිහිණියා[Kaspiya Sagaralihiniya/Rattudu Mudhudulihiniya] (Sterna caspia)

Caspian tern is the largest of all terns. It is unmistakable with its characteristic large red bill with dark tip. It is a common migrant to dry zone coastal areas of Northern half of the island and coastal wetlands and tanks of Hambantota district. It is less common in wet zone. Breeding birds were observed also from sand banks of Adam’s bridge and resident population present in Negombo lagoon (Kotagama & Ratnavira 2010).  Caspian tern is usually seen flying solitarily or in pairs and resting on sand banks often companies with other terns. 

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Dawn Bluetail (Ischnura aurora aurora )

Small damselfly of about 16-20mm of abdomen and 10-12mm of hind wing, distributed locally throughout the country from the coast to the higher hills. 

විස්සනි/මහමැදහන්ගු[Wissani/Maha-Medahangu]/Langali (Pergularia daemia)

A twining indigenous herb common in dry and arid zones of sri lanka, often in disturbed vegetations.  It has greenish white flower with five petals flowering from February to September.

Spot-Billed Duck (Anas poecilorhynacha)

Spot-billed duck has been considered as a rare migrant till recent time.  But Ceylon Bird Club members were able to observe some breeding birds of this duck in Vankalai Ramsar wetland site recently and so it is now considered as a Breeding resident of Sri Lanka supplemented by migrant birds from India during the North-East monsoons .Migrant birds are earlier reported from tanks, paddy fields and marshes of Jaffna peninsula, Mahawelli flood plain national park and eastern sea belt. This duck can be distinguished from all other ducks by its colorful bill. Vankalei is a good site for observing this duck and above picture was taken while it was flying over the Mannar causeway.