Reptiles in Costa Rice vary in colour, size and deadliness. In this collection, images range from harmless to potentially fatal reptiles if you were bitten.
The mighty Lateralis (Side-striped Pit-Viper) has been at the top of my list reptile wise since I arrived in Costa Rica. Having not spent any time in the mountains where they are found until this year I had never laid eyes on one until now.
The bothriechis nigroviridis is an arboreal species of pit-viper. A relatively rare sight, I was lucky enough to be tipped off that this female was just spotted on one of the trails.
The Fer-de-Lance (Bothrops asper) is one of Costa Rica's most venomous snakes. Although this species is deadly they are very timid, like most snakes.
I have never felt uncomfortable photographing snakes even when faced with the Fer-de-Lance, a beautiful species and a joy to get some images.
The eyelash-palm pitviper (Bothriechis schelegelii) is a striking, iconic species in Costa Rica. they have several different colour morphs however the yellow morph is by far the most impressive. it is believed that the yellow morph derives from their coastal habitat, fallen coconuts tend to be yellow and in turn these pit-vipers follow suit and camouflage.
The following image is that of a Tiger-Rat Snake, earning its name in feeding upon small rodents these snakes get up to 6-7 feet in length, although reports of some individuals up to 14 feet have been made. This particular snake was still a juvenile at around 1.5 metres in length.
I spent some times photographing this reptile and the following shot was my favourite.
Although not the best image, I love this Allen's Coral-snake image, purely from the struggle to get in position for the shot.
On a rainy night on a swamp trail in Tortuguero NP we came across a pool full of Tapir dung, looking to my right there was there Coral-snake. To Get this shot I practically had to crouch amongst the dung which filled the pool.
Holding my camera away from my body to get a better angle, all things considered.. I was happy with the result.
Another snake from the parrot family, this Yellow-Lipped Parrot Snake was a tiny juvenile and the head was only around the size of my pinky fingers nail. Quickly positioning my 500mm lens on top of an old gas cylinder on base I was able to find focus on this small reptile.
A striking adult male Green Basalisk rests on a fallen tree spread over the surface of a canal. Basalisk's are well known as the "Jesus lizard" as they are capable of running on water.
This vibrant male wasn't put off by the heavy rain or the fact I was just a few metres away shooting.
As for all my pages, more images will follow.
For now please enjoy and I hope you learned something.
Any info regarding the images feel free to contact me.
