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Yet another adder


Yet another adder
Photo Information
Copyright: Alex Strugariu (Alex_Strugariu) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 124 W: 0 N: 174] (649)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-07-13
Categories: Reptiles
Exposure: f/3.3, 30 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-07-27 3:56
Viewed: 1644
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The European Adder, European Viper, Common adder or the Northern Cross-Viper (Vipera berus) is another very wide spread species of snake in Europe and even reaches the arctic circle, being the most northern species of snake in the world.

In Romania it can be found throughout the Carpathians and even in lower regions.

The medium lenght of these snakes is 50-60cm for an adult but I have read of records of over 100cm. The longest one I`ve ever seen was about 70cm.
Sexual dimorphism is present in most individuals (the most common exceptions are melanistic-completely black adders), the males being more light collored than the females.

The reproductive period is in march-may and in july-september the females give birth to 5-20 babies.

The babies feed mostly on small lizards (mostly Zootoca vivipara) while the adults feed on micromammals, lizards, frogs and even very small birds. These snakes are knowned for being scavangers.

Their venom is one of the most complex and active snake venoms. Fortunatly, being small snakes, they don`t have a lot of it so a bite from one of these guys would probably just make you sick for a couple of days. It`s worth knowing that these guys will only bite if threatened: stepped on, picked up.

Of course, like with any snake, people kill adders out of feer and ignorance...this species is losing ground as we speek and has become a threatened or endangered species in most places.

Hope you enjoy the picture. It was taken this month near the town of Campulung Moldovenesc, in the Eastern Carpathians (Suceava County, Romania).

PP:crop, sharpened and reduced noise.
elefantino, horia, sandpiper2, Dan, jjcordier, SkyF, vanderschelden has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hello Alex, I see you're the best reptiles photographer at the moment.
Great shot really detailed and sharp.


Andrea

Excellent, Alex! Such common "beast" in Romanian folklore, unfortunatelly we both know what that resulted into.
Photo has a great depth of field, subject is in a striking pose, in motion yet still sharp in this tense moment. Bravo!
All the best to you, I have a feeling more wonderful images are about to come from you, just keep 'em commin' and be safe out there, snake charmer you!

  • Great 
  • horia Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2169 W: 218 N: 4383] (14900)
  • [2006-07-27 5:27]

Stunning shot, Alex!
This adder really looks like she is prepared to strike. Lovely posture of the animal.
Excellent POV, nice colors and very good DOF. Also good sharpness.
Bravo, TFS and keep 'em comming yourself, too :)
Horia

Another good one, better than the last I think.
Good pose and good focus. Good sharp details and well exposed.

  • Great 
  • Dan Gold Star Critiquer [C: 113 W: 0 N: 2] (18)
  • [2006-07-27 11:05]

Sal. Alex, excelenta fotografia, postura defensiv+amenintatoare caracteristica viperei. Culori si detalii foarte bune. Felicitari! Dan

  • Great 
  • pvs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1168 W: 261 N: 3035] (13835)
  • [2006-07-27 12:12]

Hi Alex,

Think you like them snakes,I the one who doesnt like them so much meets them quite often during my walks in nature,but I am not so much for photagraphing them,nice shot with good colors,

Paul

sal Alex
foarte reusita fotografia ta.
Lucian

impressive shot, Alex! good pose and perfect sharpness
Best regards
JJ

im not a fan of snakes, but do admire them s they are an intergral part of nature, tfs sharing this one as it is very well done

  • Great 
  • SkyF Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2233 W: 188 N: 1929] (8127)
  • [2006-08-01 16:01]

Hello Alex,
very well captured. Even thought snakes are not my thing I can appreciate the wonderful details and textures of the snake skin. Very nice sharpness and great POV and DOF.
TFS..Sky

Hi Alex,
Thank you for this picture. I personally would use a 200 mm or more to photograph:-). And certainly not pick it up...
Great capture...
TFS
Annick

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