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Bow to the Qeen


Bow to the Qeen
Photo Information
Copyright: Tiberiu Sahlean (TiberiuSahly) Silver Note Writer [C: 6 W: 0 N: 13] (108)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-05
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ8, LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 1:2.8/6-72 ASPH., (digital)
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/400 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2008-04-08 1:00
Viewed: 724
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Dolichophis caspius - caspian whip snake
This is one of the largest species of snakes in Europe, exceeding lengths of 2m. Its area of distribution includes mainly the Balkan Peninsula and in Romania it is restricted to the southern, warmer areas (Banat, Muntenia, Dobrogea) reaching as far north as the county of Galati (Strugariu, 2007).
It inhabits mainly steppe areas: forest openings, forest edges, rocky terrain covered in bushes or grass and even agricultural fields where it hunts rats and gophers.
Males are generally larger then females and more broad-headed, and they are the ones to reach over 2m in length. Females are generally more slender and grow to a maximum of about 1,5m.
The juveniles and the young differ from the adults by the distinct patterns on the back made of dark spots that sometimes form lines along the back of the animal. As the snake grows, the patterns disappear leaving the adult coloration.
Mating takes place in May and the female lays the clutch around June.The clutch is made of 5-12 elongated eggs. The babies hatch around the end of august, shed and after about 2 weeks start feeding, preparing for hibernation.
Although non-venomous, it is highly agressive and will defend ferociously if cornered. Its backwards curved, sharp teeth inflict quite a painful bite, discouraging most of its predators.
In Romania it is a threatened species and is included on the Romanian Red List. Also this species is listed in Appendix 4 of the EU Directive under "Animal and plant species of community interest that need strict protection".
vanderschelden, mirceax, crs, Tlapp has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Tlapp: Snake speciesTiberiuSahly 1 04-13 23:10
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Tiberiu,
Very good Caspian whip snake photo.
First of all the depth of field shows us very well the sharp head as well as its patterns and length. Furthermore its colors are rendered very well and you have chosen a very effective point of view.
Well done!
TFS
Annick

Very nice shot with excellent pov and composition. Great looking of the snake!

-I think there is too much red in the photo

Tfs
Ilias

Buna Tiberiu,
O captura de zile mari!Lumina e superba, la fel detaliile, compozitia si focusul.
Felicitari!

Mircea

  • Great 
  • Ena Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 359 W: 61 N: 570] (2341)
  • [2008-04-09 6:20]

Hello Tiberiu,
Very good shot!
Nice POV
TFS
Ena

  • Great 
  • crs Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 276 W: 0 N: 404] (1653)
  • [2008-04-09 12:17]

Buna Tiberiu,

Foarte buna fotografia ta cu acest sarpe. Calitatea imaginii este foarte buna detaliile sarpelui fiind usor observabile. De asemenea lumina din fotografie este foarte buna,

Felicitari,
Cristian

Salut!
Foarte tare poza. imi place tot la ea.
TFS,
Iulian

P.S. Foarte asemanator cu exemplarul din fotografia mea... :)) coluberii astia...

  • Great 
  • Tlapp Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 22 W: 5 N: 19] (108)
  • [2008-04-12 2:15]
  • [+]

Amazing shot Tiberiu! Great perspective...I feel like I can almost touch the snake! I also like the warm colors here.
Tell me...how many species of snakes can be found in Romania? I believe that a lot more than in Poland (we have only 4) as the Romania's climate is much warmer. Regards, Rafal

Hi Tiberiu,

Interesting note but would prefer a bit more of a personal description about how you found it and managed to get the shot etc.

Very sharp and good light.
TFS
Matt

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