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Natrix tessellata


Natrix tessellata
Photo Information
Copyright: Nikos Neztekidis (avallaunius) Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 27 W: 8 N: 41] (266)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-07-20
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: canon PowerShot G9
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/320 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Herpetofauna of Greece [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2009-08-30 3:33
Viewed: 306
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Dice snake (Natrix tessellata) is a European non-venomous snake belonging to the family of Colubridae, subfamily Natricinae.

Females are bigger than males. Maximum size is between 1.0-1.3 m long. The color may vary from greyish green to brownish or almost black, with dark spots on the back. The belly is sometimes vividly coloured in yellow or orange, with black spots, very similar to a dice, hence the name.

It feeds mainly on fish, though lives mainly nearby river streams or lakes. Sometimes it feeds also on amphibians like frogs, toads and tadpoles.

This snake is not venomous. As a defense it spreads a very bad smelling secretion from its cloaca. Another defence mechanism is thanatosis, that meaning the snake is playing dead.

During the mating season (March-April-May) they congregate in large groups. Egg laying is usually in July and one clutch consists of 10-30 eggs. The young snakes hatch in early September.

Dice snakes hibernate from October to April in dry holes near the water.

The Dice snake is found throughout Europe and Asia

-wikipedia
RDx, jlinaresp, nikosrio, roges has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To SunToucher: hiavallaunius 1 08-30 05:45
To RDx: hiavallaunius 1 08-30 05:45
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Nikos,
Nice shot with awesome lighting. I like the minimalistics in the photo a lot. The shallow DOF gave great focus on the eye. The vertical format alows for a pleasant view.
TFS,
Niek

  • Great 
  • RDx Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 14 W: 4 N: 64] (276)
  • [2009-08-30 5:40]
  • [+]

The position of the snake has let you get away with the shallow DOF :) . Would have increased the warmth a bit to nullify the flash , though. All in all it works for me .

great scary closeup, TFS Ori

Hi Nikos,

Woh! after yesterday's excellent macro, now appears with this formidable reptile, captured in a very artistic and dramatic effect. You are a very flexible photographer, shows great talent. Congratulations!

Jesús

Excellent capture, sharp details , beautiful colors, great light and plain BG,
regards,
Nikos.

Poly kali!
tfs
Ilias

  • Great 
  • Nana-S (19)
  • [2009-09-17 14:52]

great photo!
very good light and sharpness
nice snake

BG

  • Great 
  • roges Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 598 W: 0 N: 523] (3096)
  • [2009-11-09 8:41]

Hi Nikos,

Splendid σύλληψη. Καλή σύνθεση με ορισμένες λεπτομέρειες και όμορφα χρώματα.
Θέλετε μια ωραία εβδομάδα,
Adrian

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