Green Palm Viper (Bothriechis lateralis)
If you go to Monteverde reserve in Costa Rica, you can meet the Green Palm Viper (Bothriechis lateralis). It is a common arboreal poison snake species in the cloud forests of Central America and spends its time in the thick foliage of trees and shrubbery, waiting for small birds, rodents, lizards and frogs to hunt. It uses its camouflaged coloration to blend in with the vegetation, striking quickly when a mentioned animal gets too close. Therefore rarely poses a danger to people although it could bite only if strongly provoked. However, humans who are bitten can become very sick but rarely die from the venom.
11 responses
-
Portia Söderberg gave props (16 Apr 2008):
Wow!!! A really cool viper shot! I was in Costa Rica in 2002 and never got the chance to visit the reserve. We hope to make it there next year :)
-
Mario Scattoloni gave props (16 May 2008):
Perhaps, U should consider posting this foto in with the current Creatures theme. Fantastic colours & so vibrant...
-
David Rocaberti added a link (16 May 2008):
-
Carmen H. gave props (18 May 2008):
It is a viper or it is a lamp? Lol... amazing light
-
David Rocaberti said (18 May 2008):
Yeah, Carmen. Luckilly, a 56 GN flash can light long range. Otherwise I wouldn't have dared to get close enough, despite locals consider it to be fairly harmless.
-
Dennis Blauer gave props (31 May 2008):
the green body looks translucent on the thumbnail!
-
Rob Case gave props (3 Jun 2008):
Great shot...it looks like it's made out of Gumi Bear stuff. How big is it...?
-
David Rocaberti said (28 Jul 2008):
Hi Rob, thanks for your interest.
It could be about 3 feet long -
Ikhlef A. said (7 Sep 2008):
Lovely contrast. I love snakes and find this fellow very handsome.
Great shot. -
Tal Ariel said (8 Jul 2009):
that's great
-
Tom Berryhill gave props (19 Jul 2009):
You have made a beautiful image from a subject which is difficult to render so.
