The Nature Gallery

The Everglades -- Reptiles

Welcome to a gallery of a few photos from my collection.

Please note that all the images here are protected by copyright and that they may not be downloaded, copied or reproduced in any way without my express written permission.

Thank You and Enjoy,

Grover Larkins

Coral Snake -- Micrus fulvus

POISONOUS!!!

This is a photo of an animal rescued from a South Dade Agricultural area by Roger Hammer -- it was released after being photographed. The Coral Snake is not Uncommon but it is extremely shy, spending most of its time under leaf litter and in out-of-the-way places, and as a result it is seldom seen and even less often photographed. I've digitally removed a couple of wood chips from the image -- this was NOT done in the published version of the photo but when I scanned the image the white of the chips was somehow enhanced to the point of obnoxiousness....

Nikon F4S, 55mm f3.5 Micro Nikkor, SB-24 and SC-17 Cord

f 16 @ 1/250 sec.

Kodak KM - 25

Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake - Crotalus adamante

POISONOUS!

This is a two meter long snake found out at Eco Pond in Everglades National Park -- When photographing poisonous snakes keep at a distance and above all be aware of where your extremeties are; the snake will most certainly inform you that your feet are nearer to it's head than your head/hands are!!! Better yet leave this to those who have a lot of experience, I've years of experience in handling poisonous snakes and IF I find it necessary to handle one I use a hook or tongs. In a National Park you are not allowed to handle them anyway although I've been known to move them off the main road at night using either the threat of my presence or a tripod to prod them into abandoning the pavement where they would be vulture pizza by morning.

Nikon F4S, 200mm f4 MF Micro - Nikkor, tripod

f16 @ 1/30 sec

Fuji Provia

Pygmy Rattlesnake

POISONOUS!

Everglades National Park -- This little guy is the most common snake in the park, not considered "deadly" it is toxic enough to cause an adult great discomfort and either shock, allergic reaction or infection could possibly result in death. Needless to say the consequences of a bite are far more serious for children. This is another animal which was working on becoming road pizza until he was convinced to move by a large mammal's encroaching on his "space" (me).

Nikon F4S, 200mm MF-Micro-Nikkor, SB-24, SC-17 Cord, Sekonic L-718

f11 @ 1/250 sec., Manually metered flash -- power set to get f11

Fuji Sensia 100

Cottonmouth Water Moccasin

POISONOUS!

This is a young snake, about 24" long, older animals tend to be (1) larger and (2) darker in color. Capable of delivering about 200-300 mg of venom this animal, like the Coral snake and Diamondback, is not to be trifled with. Even this small and example can give a potentially lethal dose of venom to those foolish enough to mess with it.

Nikon F4S, 200mm MF-Micro Nikkor, Photoflex Reflector

f16 @ 1/125 sec.

Fuji Sensia 100

Alligator -- Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, Florida

Nikon F4S, 400mm f3.5 EDIF-MF Nikkor, Tripod

f 8, Aperture Priority

Fiji Sensia 100

More will come later!!!

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