Long-snouted tree frog (Taruga longinasus)

English: Long-snouted tree frog
Binomial: Taruga longinasus
Sinhala: දික් හොඹු ගස් මැඩියා[Dik hombu gas madiya]

Taruga longinasus is an endemic species of frog restricted to the wet zone of Sri Lanka. It can be identified easily by very long snout and the elongated body. I observed them on trees about 1-1.5 meters above the ground level. The ground was wet and there were some slow running water streams close to their habitat. Observed calling sound was like 'Cruck-chus'. This frog makes bubble nests close to water to lay eggs and the tadpoles fall into the water below after some time. Above photographs were taken in Kalugala forest reserve.

Reference: Sri Lankawe Ubhayajeeven - Rohan Pethiyagoda/Kelum Manamendra-arachchi

Chestnut-headed bee-eater (Merops leschenaulti)

English: Chestnut-headed bee-eater
Binomial: Merops leschenaulti
Sinhala: තඹල-හිස බිඟුහරයා[Thambala hisa binguharaya]

It is a resident breeder in many Asian countries including Sri Lanka. It is more common in dry zone of Sri Lanka. They feed on insects and have a special ability of catching insects such as bees, wasps ect in flight. Above photographs were taken in Yala national park in June, 2015.

Sri Lankan Pipe Snake (Cylindrophis maculatus)

English: Sri Lankan Pipe Snake
Binomial: Cylindrophis maculatus
Sinhala: දෙපත් නයා/වටඋල්ලා[Depath naya/Wata ulla]

An endemic species of snake found in lowlands and the highlands of Sri Lanka. They are nocturnal and non venomous. If threatened, it curls the posterior half of the body by showing white colored underside to repel the enemy. This behavior might show that it has two heads which gives its Sinhala name, 'Depath naya' which has the mining of ’The cobra who has two heads'.

Moore's shrub frog (Pseudophilautus mooreorum)

English: Moore's shrub frog
Binomial: Pseudophilautus mooreorum
Sinhala: මූරිගේ පඳුරු මැඩියා[Murige panduru madiya]

It is an endemic species of frog restricted to the knuckles mountain range of Sri Lanka. Can be seen in cloud forests where there is a good forest cover. Green colored body is an adaptation for the arboreal life. This frog is very similar to the Pseudophilautus femoralis which is restricted to the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Habitat loss and agrochemicals has become the major threat for the existence of this frog. Above photographs were taken in November, 2015.

Reference: Sri Lankawe Ubhayajeeven - Rohan Pethiyagoda/Kelum Manamendra-arachchi

Yelllow Waxtail (Ceriagrion coromandelianum)

English: Yelllow Waxtail
Binomial: Ceriagrion coromandelianum

Widely distributed common damselfly found in Sri Lanka and some other Asian countries. It can be seen close to water reservoirs such as paddy fields and ponds. Above photograph was taken in Colombo district in October.