Eyelash Pit Palm Viper

This beautiful viper has been on my wish list since the last time I was in Costa Rica, nearly 5 years ago.  And can I just say that the reality was even more spectacular than expected.  I have not done any edits to this image other than a slight crop.  These venomous vipers come in a myriad of colors, each dictated by genetics and habitat.  In this section of the rain forest, where heliconia are abundant their common colors are this vibrant yellow and a mottled green.  Both colors allow the viper to hide in plain sight, allowing unwary prey to wander close enough to snatch.  They are much like spiders in a web in that they stay in one spot and wait for the prey to come within striking range, and flowers are a favorite place for them to hang out.  They are extremely venomous and can kill a human if medical assistance isn't available.  I shot this with my D850 and 300 mm lens from a distance of about 4 feet, well out of strike range.

We also got to photograph 4 frog species, a young boa constrictor and Honduran white bats.  Eventually I will post links to other pics.

It was a fantastic day and topped off by dinner with the final member of our group, Hillyblips who just arrived this afternoon.  Tomorrow morning we head for the Caribbean side of the country, deep in the rain forest.  

Nothing chocolate today.

xo
Debbi