Mangrove Pit Viper vs. Caterpillar

Last Saturday (30 March 2009)night, went to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve for a night survey on Spiders. Because of raining, we were taking shelter at the Main Hide. Many of terrestrial animals "followed" us to take a shelter, including a mangrove pit viper and few caterpillars. One of the caterpillar was dropping on the back of the snake from the wooden wall when I was shooting the Pit Viper, and caused the snake to react badly. I was shock when I saw this through the camera and the snake, all of a sudden, shaking his head strongly and that cause me almost to drop my camera... Ha!ha! I retreated myself in a safer distance and continue to record this interesting interaction. Eventually, the caterpillar managed to stay on the Pit Viper for about 10 minutes and them moved herself away peacefully.

Quite danger indeed. Should try to keep a safer distance...but somehow too greedy to get a closeup. According to the guidebook "the Amphibians & Reptiles of Singapore", "It (Mangrove Pit Viper) is usually rather bad tempered and will not hesitate to strike if approached too closely". I will think twice next time for such a "good opportunity"!

1. NK D200, FL 90mm, 1.4xTC, 1/60sec-F/25, Manual, First Curtain flashes at -2.3ev, and -2.0ev, handheld, with ground support, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, 30 Mar 2009;

2. F/11, flashes at o, and -1.7;

3. F/18, flashes at -1.3ev, and -1.0ev;

4. F/16, both flashes at -0.3ev.