Bamboo Pit Viper
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Added 1588904623 by UKRichardHK.
Bamboo Pit Viper, Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong. May 2020.
This snakes head is about the size of a one pence coin but I managed to get this detail by zooming in with my Sigma18-300 lens, then I cropped the frame right down.
Of the 52 snake species in Hong Kong this one must be the most photogenic. It is very colourful and unlike other snakes does not flee when spotted. As long as I keep a safe distance it will usually wait completely still in it's striking position for small reptiles and insects to pass so I can line up my camera and take several shots! Though it needs to be respected, it is venomous and will strike if I get too close and a bite usually means about 3 days in hospital!