Hypnale, the Sri Lankan Viper

An interesting article has been published in FaceBook:

ETYMOLOGY: VENOM IMPACT MANIFESTING IN EPITHETS

The Case of HypnaleThe effects of venom on snakebite victims are sometimes reflected in the common names of snakes, particularly in local folklore. In contrast, such references are rarely found in the Latin or Greek genus names or species epithets of venomous snakes. For example, Deinagkistrodon, a monotypic genus of pit vipers endemic to Southeast Asia, is commonly associated with names such as "five-pacer" or "hundred-pace viper." These names derive from the belief that a person bitten by the snake would die after taking a specific number of steps—five, ten, or a hundred.The case of Hypnale, however, stands apart. Both the genus name and the species epithet of its type species, Hypnale hypnale, may reference the physiological effects of the venom.

On the Authority of the Genus Hypnale

The genus Hypnale is generally attributed to Austrian zoologist Leopold Fitzinger (1802–1884) in his 1843 work Systema Reptilium. Fasciculus primus: Amblyglossae. However, Fitzinger's mention of Hypnale is limited to a name listing without any accompanying generic diagnosis or description. A formal characterization of the genus was provided later by subsequent authors—for example, Gloyd & Conant (1990, p. 407).There is also an incorrect attribution of the genus name to Edward Frederick Kelaart (1819–1860) in his 1852 paper titled "Description of a new genus of Ceylonese venomous snakes" published in Annals and Magazine of Natural History. While Kelaart discussed the genus, no formal original description by him can be confirmed.

On the Etymology of Hypnale

The species epithet hypnale was first used by Blasius Merrem (1761–1824) in his 1820 work Versuch eines Systems der Amphibien, although the origin and rationale for the name are not explicitly stated. The name Hypnale likely derives from the Medieval Latin hypnalē, rooted in the Ancient Greek ὕπνος (húpnos), meaning "sleep." This may allude to the sedative or fatal effects of the snake's venom, which was believed to cause drowsiness or death—thus metaphorically putting the victim to sleep.

Remarks on the Type Species

Merrem's original description of Hypnale hypnale was based on an illustration in Patrick Russell's (1801) Account of Indian Serpents (pp. 26–27, pl. 22). Unfortunately, the type specimen(s) used by Russell are now considered lost. In Merrem's text, the species appears under several names, including Cophias hypnale, Boa hypnale, and S. hypnale. The locality information is also inconsistent: Boa hypnale is listed from "Asia" (p. 87), while Cophias hypnale is erroneously said to occur in "Archipelago, Arabia, Aegypto" (p. 55). Fitzinger later selected Merrem's species as the type species of the genus Hypnale.

References:

Fitzinger, L.J.F.J. (1843). Systema Reptilium. Fasciculus primus. Amblyglossae. Braumüller et Seidel, Vienna. vi + 106 pp.BHL link

Gloyd, H.K. & Conant, R. (1990). Snakes of the Agkistrodon Complex: A Monographic Review. Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, p. 407.

Kelaart, E.F. (1852). "Description of a new genus of Ceylonese venomous snakes." Annals and Magazine of Natural History (2) 10: 25–29.

Merrem, B. (1820). Versuch eines Systems der Amphibien. J.C. Krieger, Marburg, 191 pp.BHL link

Russell, P. (1801). Account of Indian Serpents Collected on the Coast of Coromandel.

Wikipedia, Reptile Database, Google Geminie, Microsoft Copilot (converting the written text to proper English format)https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2024/10/24/kasargod-man-dies-hospital-hump-nosed-viper-bite-no-anti-venom-available.html

Comment on the etymology and possible meaning of the generic and specific epithet "Hypnale":

1. Root:

• "Hypno-": This part comes from the Greek word "húpnos" (ὕπνος), meaning "sleep." It serves as the base of the name.

2. Suffix:

• "-ale": This Latin suffix is commonly used in forming adjectives and can indicate a relationship or a characteristic.
• In Latin and scientific usage, adding the "-ale" suffix to a root word often indicates an affiliation or connection. Here, "Hypnale" suggests a relationship to the concept of sleep, potentially indicating a behavior, trait, or characteristic related to sleep or its derivatives.

Possible Meanings:

"Putting Someone to Sleep"

This interpretation arises from the connotation of inducing sleep, akin to a sedative effect. In contexts related to medicine or toxicity (e.g., snake venom effects), this might imply that certain agents can lead to unconsciousness or lethargy.

"Being Sleepy"

This interpretation aligns with a state of drowsiness or inactivity, encapsulating the general characteristic associated with sleepiness and slow movement. Snakes of the genus Hypnale may appear "sleepy," as their typical state is rather "calmly sitting" than "actively foraging" (see further).

"Being Hypnotic"

This could refer to Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep, whose name is the root of the word hypnosis. Hypnosis is often associated with deep relaxation, but it does not necessarily mean being slow-moving or sleepy. Instead, hypnosis involves heightened focus and suggestibility, where a person—or even an animal metaphorically—may appear calm but remains mentally alert.

This perfectly fits the typical behavior of the venomous vipers of the genus Hypnale, as they are often encountered in a state of immobility while practicing the hunting strategy "sit and wait." They seem "hypnotic" while remaining fully alert and ready to strike if prey comes into reach.

Behavior of Hypnale Species

Hypnale species generally exhibit a calm and alert demeanor rather than being nervous or fast-moving. They are slow-moving snakes that prefer to remain hidden in leaf litter or dense vegetation, relying on their camouflage to avoid detection.

When disturbed or threatened, they can become defensive, flattening their bodies and vibrating their tails, similar to rattlesnakes or pit vipers. While they are not known for rapid movement, they are capable of quick strikes when provoked.

Interpretation and Venom Effects

As the author unfortunately did not reveal his etymological intention, all we can do is speculate.

Despite appreciating the creative interpretation that connects the name to the idea of "putting someone asleep," I believe that this does not accurately represent the effects of their venom.

Envenomation from Hypnale species, containing mainly hemotoxic components, can cause a range of local and systemic symptoms, including:

• Local effects: Pain at the bite site, swelling, bruising, and tissue necrosis.
• Systemic effects: Headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dizziness, collapse, coagulopathy, microangiopathic hemolysis, acute kidney injuries, and seizures in severe cases.

The subjective reaction to Hypnale envenomation is primarily severe pain, often with rapid onset at the bite site. Victims frequently report intense burning and swelling. Additionally, systemic symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion can develop, which may contribute to a sense of disorientation or exhaustion but not a direct "sleep-like" state in the way neurotoxic venoms cause paralysis or unconsciousness.

I, therefore, incline more toward the interpretation related to the hypnotic state, which perfectly fits their dominantly observed behavior.