Came across this striking yellow morph of Trimeresurus malabaricus on the road to Mulayyangiri peak (Baba Budan hill ranges, Chikkamagalur district, Karnataka). With the incredibly thick mist blanketing these hills (making it a nightmare to drive), it was very fortunate indeed that this snake was sighted as it crossed in front of our vehicle. Malabar pit vipers are commonly sighted crossing roads at night, and being slow snakes, many of them perish when doing so.
This photograph probably does not reproduce the colours accurately. Compared to a yellowish brown morph I had seen in Agumbe, this one was a much brighter yellow, with contrasting black markings on the back when seen from above.
Canon 500D, Canon 100mm Macro USM
SS 1/200
Av 16
ISO 400
Cropped
This was made as a record shot, the priority was to get the snake quickly to the other side, after which it went off into the bushes.
Thanks, C&C welcome.
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