Search found 670 matches

by orionmystery
April 21st, 2015, 9:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)
Replies: 20
Views: 7346

Re: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)

Not sure about hagen's though I think it would try to bite you, and connect from 3 feet away! I wouldn't give them a chance. Interesting about the Popeia. Is it just a day/night thing? Captives have distinct circadian personalities. After dark they seem much more prone to striking. cheers Jimi The ...
by orionmystery
April 19th, 2015, 12:01 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)
Replies: 20
Views: 7346

Re: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)

Therefore, I am guessing the viper was 14cm from the front of my lens. Hmmmm ... a dangerous path you were treading, young padawan. Not be with you the next time, the Force will .... Wagler'ss are really chill. I never had one strike at me before. Same for fucatus. Not sure about hagen's though, on...
by orionmystery
April 18th, 2015, 12:49 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Mixed bugs and lightings
Replies: 0
Views: 2651

Mixed bugs and lightings

Nom nom nom. House centipede munching on a katydid. Selangor, Malaysia. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7605/16998858819_08dccdfc07_o.jpg Scutigerid eating katydid_MG_8710 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr Wild flower. Iridaceae. Likely Trimezia martinicensis - ID credit: Ahmad Fua...
by orionmystery
April 17th, 2015, 6:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)
Replies: 20
Views: 7346

Re: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)

Wonderful! Say, what lens did you use for the first Wagler's shot, and how close did you go? Thanks, Hans. Taken with a Tamron 60mm F2.0. According to File Info (CS6), the focus distance (FD) was 26cm. That's from subject to sensor plane. That's not 1:1 yet. At 1:1, i think the FD is 22cm. The work...
by orionmystery
April 17th, 2015, 12:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)
Replies: 20
Views: 7346

Re: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)

Yeah, I hear what you're saying. The problem is, most of Singapores trails aren't accessible at night. I guess they're accessible, but it's illegal to be there after sunset. So I'm limited to only a couple of spots where it's ok to walk at night. Added to all this is the fact I land at 5am and have...
by orionmystery
April 16th, 2015, 11:05 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)
Replies: 20
Views: 7346

Re: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)

Me or Lou? :D . True, I haven't visited any new areas for ages! Haha, I guess I meant Lou, but if you feel like you've hit a rut it applies to you too. Herping new areas is always very exciting, but reliable and familiar places are definitely more comfortable. I need to find new species to add to m...
by orionmystery
April 15th, 2015, 10:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)
Replies: 20
Views: 7346

Re: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)

I would have guessed Elegant Bronzeback although I haven't seen one yet. Maybe next week when I'm back out. Great post and pics. I feel like you tend to visit the same areas each time, and thus find the same species. Hit up some different areas, ones with denser vegetation - throw in some diversity...
by orionmystery
April 15th, 2015, 1:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)
Replies: 20
Views: 7346

Re: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)

Thanks for looking and commenting, Nick, Kelly, Lou.

Good luck, Lou. I still need kopstein from Singapore.
by orionmystery
April 12th, 2015, 8:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)
Replies: 20
Views: 7346

A few common but cute snakes from Selangor (Malaysia)

A rather bitey Painted Bronzeback snake https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/17120034772_544fe3897d_o.jpg Dendrelaphis pictus_MG_8469 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7662/17120035332_84bf48e16b_o.jpg Dendrelaphis pictus_MG_8470 copy by Kurt (orionmy...
by orionmystery
March 30th, 2015, 8:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes, lizards, frogs from Selangor
Replies: 6
Views: 3609

Re: Snakes, lizards, frogs from Selangor

Thanks for looking and commenting, Martti, Lou, PrimitiveTim, Daniel, Jeroen.

I have seen many Wagler's Viper but Hagen is a first for me. Not as common I guess.
by orionmystery
March 28th, 2015, 2:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes, lizards, frogs from Selangor
Replies: 6
Views: 3609

Snakes, lizards, frogs from Selangor

Up close with a Hagen's Pit Viper (Trimeresurus hageni). Malaysia. https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8699/16926777776_b244b741fb_o.jpg Trimeresurus hageni IMG_8120 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16765238890_6a206452b2_o.jpg Trimeresurus hageni I...
by orionmystery
March 23rd, 2015, 9:05 pm
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Gorgeous jewel beetle
Replies: 2
Views: 3340

Re: Gorgeous jewel beetle

captainjack0000 wrote:I wonder if the water on the eyes disrupts their vision.
I think the water drops are like wide angle lenses for the beetle.
by orionmystery
March 23rd, 2015, 6:39 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Gorgeous jewel beetle
Replies: 2
Views: 3340

Gorgeous jewel beetle

Cryptic grasshopper on the forest floor full of leaf litter. Can you find it? https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7628/16697961167_243c4e8846_o.jpg Trigonopteryx sp._MG_6494 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr If you couldn't find it, take a look at this and go back to the first and try ...
by orionmystery
March 21st, 2015, 1:23 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Mixed bag of tropical bugs
Replies: 4
Views: 4753

Mixed bag of tropical bugs

Lovely frog but I've photographed it too many times so I tried fooling around with different lighting instead. https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8720/16692312878_695aa73496_o.jpg Nyctixalus pictus IMG_8136 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr Newly emerged dragonfly https://farm9.static...
by orionmystery
March 16th, 2015, 5:21 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Molting huntsman spider
Replies: 2
Views: 12387

Molting huntsman spider

When I first spotted the spider. Time stamp included in all shots and also in the GIF. 2015:02:25 21:11:45 https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7607/16806981596_819217796b_o.jpg Molting huntsman spider_MG_6764 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr 2015:02:25 21:16:34 https://farm9.staticfli...
by orionmystery
March 15th, 2015, 12:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few snakes from Malaysia
Replies: 13
Views: 4401

Re: A few snakes from Malaysia

LouB747 wrote:Those female Waglers always look like they mean business. Great shots as always. Hoping to get a close encounter with a Mangrove Cat Snake in the near future.
Thanks, Lou. I am sure you'll find yours soon!
by orionmystery
March 14th, 2015, 5:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few snakes from Malaysia
Replies: 13
Views: 4401

Re: A few snakes from Malaysia

The Real Snake Man wrote:Interesting. Well, the problem could very well be on my end, and I know how necessary a tool flash is in macro. Thanks.

-Gene
I would shoot with just natural light but there ain't much of it at night :(.
by orionmystery
March 14th, 2015, 1:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few snakes from Malaysia
Replies: 13
Views: 4401

Re: A few snakes from Malaysia

Great photos, Kurt. I do have a question, though: do you ever get concerned that your flash, though well-diffused, is dulling the colors of your subjects? I don't see that effect quite so much with this series of shots as with past ones, but have you considered that, or is the glaze of lighting som...
by orionmystery
March 13th, 2015, 1:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few snakes from Malaysia
Replies: 13
Views: 4401

Re: A few snakes from Malaysia

dthor68 wrote:I am a big Boiga Fan. In fact it was a picture of the Mangrove Snake in an Encyclopedia that got me loving snakes 35 years ago. Awesome Pics!
Thank you, dthor68. Yeah, that one cool and beautiful snake!
by orionmystery
March 13th, 2015, 1:24 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Arachnids
Replies: 2
Views: 3400

Re: Arachnids

gbeck wrote:Great stuff as always, Kurt.
Thank you, gbeck :)
by orionmystery
March 10th, 2015, 6:39 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frogs and toads
Replies: 7
Views: 2951

Re: Frogs and toads

Great stuff! Thank you, mfb. Great photographs, as always. You talking about a bigger diffuser made me imagine you out there, hiring a couple of guys to carry around spotlights and a few white bed sheets for a giant diffuser. :lol: Thanks, captainjack0000. Nah, nothing like that :D. Only about the ...
by orionmystery
March 9th, 2015, 9:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few snakes from Malaysia
Replies: 13
Views: 4401

Re: A few snakes from Malaysia

Matthias wrote:Wow nice pictures! I love the T. wagleri!
Thanks, Matthias!
by orionmystery
March 9th, 2015, 9:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few snakes from Malaysia
Replies: 13
Views: 4401

Re: A few snakes from Malaysia

chrish wrote:Great series, Kurt, although the photos are obviously staged. No raindrops or flowers? j/k :lol:
Thanks, Chris. D*mn, you're good! OK, I confess. Only 2 and 4 were shot in situ, all other shots were lightly staged! No accompanying BS stories though :lol:
by orionmystery
March 9th, 2015, 6:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few snakes from Malaysia
Replies: 13
Views: 4401

A few snakes from Malaysia

A female Wagler's Pit Viper (Tropidolaemus wagleri). Selangor, Malaysia. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7614/16576593750_6308b32aa6_o.jpg Tropidolaemus wagleri_MG_6688 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr Cute little baby Triangle Keelback (Xenochrophis trianguligerus) sleeping on a ...
by orionmystery
March 9th, 2015, 1:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Truths behind fake nature photography
Replies: 69
Views: 25693

Re: Truths behind fake nature photography

And what about this? I haven't found a snake with prey yet after more than a year of herping! And as if it wasn't lucky enough to have found a snake eating a frog, it was drizzling too! https://twistedsifter.files.wordpress.com/2015/03/smithsonian-photo-contest-snake-eating-frog.jpg Does the rain lo...
by orionmystery
March 6th, 2015, 6:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Truths behind fake nature photography
Replies: 69
Views: 25693

Re: Truths behind fake nature photography

Really not too sure about the weasel on woodpecker image:

More photo sequence pics here.
https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews/posts/ ... 2228852217
by orionmystery
March 6th, 2015, 5:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Truths behind fake nature photography
Replies: 69
Views: 25693

Re: Truths behind fake nature photography

Chaitanya is right.

Check out the responses of the folks at snakebytes tv.... :x

https://www.facebook.com/SnakeBytesTV/p ... 84/?type=1
by orionmystery
March 5th, 2015, 7:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Truths behind fake nature photography
Replies: 69
Views: 25693

Re: Truths behind fake nature photography

I can put up with the staging, but the accompnaying BS stories are just plain ridiculous and unbearable! Misleading too, of course. More from that FB Page: Say NO to staged photos with bullshit stories! Too many fake nature photos are appearing on the internet accompanied with bullshit stories claim...
by orionmystery
March 4th, 2015, 10:35 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Truths behind fake nature photography
Replies: 69
Views: 25693

Truths behind fake nature photography

I chanced upon this page on Facebook yesterday. Just sharing it here since these involve frogs, lizards, snakes and crocs. ============== https://www.facebook.com/notes/truths-behind-fake-nature-photography/frog-riding-a-beetle-bullshit-or-natural/1413633962271839 Frog Riding a Beetle: Bullshit or N...
by orionmystery
February 26th, 2015, 3:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frogs and toads
Replies: 7
Views: 2951

Re: Frogs and toads

chrish wrote:Great photos as usual. That lighting diffuser you use is cool.

That Microhyla shot is my favorite.
Thanks, Chris. It's a big diffuser, but at times, I find myself wishing it were bigger when photographing bigger models!
by orionmystery
February 26th, 2015, 3:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frogs and toads
Replies: 7
Views: 2951

Re: Frogs and toads

Chaitanya wrote:nice pics, and beautiful frogs.
Thank you, Chaitanya.
by orionmystery
February 24th, 2015, 5:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frogs and toads
Replies: 7
Views: 2951

Frogs and toads

Common Sunda Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus). https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8620/16425944707_fdf45162f9_o.jpg Duttaphrynus melanostictus_MG_6660 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr River Toad (Phrynoidis aspera). Selangor, Malaysia. https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/16607306556...
by orionmystery
February 23rd, 2015, 1:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thorny Devil Dreaming, October 2015 (RFI)
Replies: 9
Views: 4158

Re: Thorny Devil Dreaming, October 2015 (RFI)

Cool! Have a great trip, John. Do add the awesome Frilled Lizards to your list!

Edit: Burton's legless lizards too!
by orionmystery
February 21st, 2015, 5:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Asia Adventure 2014 Finale: Penang and THAILAND!
Replies: 14
Views: 7997

Re: Asia Adventure 2014 Finale: Penang and THAILAND!

Awesome post and pics, Rupert. Hope you can make it this fri. Thanks Kurt, and yes, it was a very fun outing. Nice to meet you finally. Great meeting you and your dad too, Rupert. A shame that we had like less than 3 hrs for herping. Sorry we didn't find manage to find any Rhacophorus, probably too...
by orionmystery
February 18th, 2015, 8:19 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few lizards from Selangor, Malaysia
Replies: 4
Views: 2688

Re: A few lizards from Selangor, Malaysia

axeman2729 wrote:I like the open mouth pic you even are able to see the teeth clear as day! I always love looking at your posts they are inspirational to me! I hope to one day make it to malaysia
Thank you, axeman2729.
by orionmystery
February 18th, 2015, 6:20 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Arachnids
Replies: 2
Views: 3400

Arachnids

Sir, may I know what time it is now? Super cool scorpion. See, it's friendly! On my Czech friend, Vladimir's hand! Female Heterometrus spinifer. https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8592/15949749703_52f368a43f_o.jpg Heterometrus spinifer_MG_6299 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr https:/...
by orionmystery
February 17th, 2015, 9:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few lizards from Selangor, Malaysia
Replies: 4
Views: 2688

Re: A few lizards from Selangor, Malaysia

LouB747 wrote:Love that last shot!
Thanks, Lou. Common but very photogenic species :)
by orionmystery
February 17th, 2015, 9:05 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Asia Adventure 2014 Finale: Penang and THAILAND!
Replies: 14
Views: 7997

Re: Asia Adventure 2014 Finale: Penang and THAILAND!

Awesome post and pics, Rupert. Hope you can make it this fri.
by orionmystery
February 17th, 2015, 8:58 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Tenerife report February 2015
Replies: 5
Views: 3107

Re: Tenerife report February 2015

Great post, Jeroen, lovely pics too.

Congrats on your new book!
by orionmystery
February 16th, 2015, 8:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few lizards from Selangor, Malaysia
Replies: 4
Views: 2688

A few lizards from Selangor, Malaysia

Up close with a Bell's Anglehead Lizard (Gonocephalus bellii). Malaysia. https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8582/16548510292_ab303a4e44_o.jpg Gonocephalus bellii_MG_6536 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr Cat Gecko (Aeluroscalabotes felinus) https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7299/16547980...
by orionmystery
February 11th, 2015, 7:16 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Lots of spiders!
Replies: 0
Views: 2443

Lots of spiders!

Poltys sp. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/16313760640_fb908f726c_o.jpg Poltys sp._MG_5769 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr What it looks like from behind. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7334/16500191622_7fae60b376_o.jpg Poltys sp._MG_5788 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot....
by orionmystery
January 27th, 2015, 9:38 pm
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Lots of spiders!
Replies: 0
Views: 2350

Lots of spiders!

Up close with a female Telamonia dimidiata. jumping spider. Selangor, Malaysia. https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8606/16197789558_93996bbf96_o.jpg Telamonia dimidiata IMG_5443 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr Good looking jumping spider. Pancorius sp. (?). Selangor, Malaysia. https...
by orionmystery
January 25th, 2015, 12:53 am
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: A few beetles of Malaysia
Replies: 0
Views: 2626

A few beetles of Malaysia

Beautiful scarab beetle (Polyphylla tonkinensis - ID credit: CH Lee, Gil Wizen) with nice pattern on its back. Pahang, Malaysia. https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7327/16359633861_d221eafc06_o.jpg Polyphylla tonkinensis_MG_5853 copy by Kurt (orionmystery.blogspot.com) , on Flickr Female stag beetle, Do...
by orionmystery
January 17th, 2015, 11:38 pm
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Orchid Mantis <3
Replies: 5
Views: 4119

Re: Orchid Mantis <3

BillMcGighan wrote:Come on, Kurt.
To get those first 3 pics, you just assembled a "LEGO Minecraft Enderdragon"!

The last pics prove that there are woodland fairies!

:thumb:
:D :P
by orionmystery
January 16th, 2015, 11:47 pm
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Orchid Mantis <3
Replies: 5
Views: 4119

Re: Orchid Mantis <3

Hans Breuer (twoton) wrote:Very nice! And yet a little older, they look like this: http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/vie ... =2&t=15940
Thanks, Hans. Ah...you found that adult in the wild? Grr....these are someone's pets :oops: :cry:
by orionmystery
January 16th, 2015, 11:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #69: Sibynophis! Hymenopus! Chalcosoma!
Replies: 16
Views: 7999

Re: Borneo Dispatches #69: Sibynophis! Hymenopus! Chalcosoma

Whoa....gorgeous sunset. You must have a really great cellphone! :D

Nice snakes but I love that orchid mantis. Lucky of you to have found an adult in the wild. I have been looking for them since 2007! The ones I posted were someone's pets :oops: :cry:
by orionmystery
January 16th, 2015, 7:47 pm
Forum: Invertebrate Forum
Topic: Orchid Mantis <3
Replies: 5
Views: 4119

Orchid Mantis <3

One of the most gorgeous mantids in Malaysia. Others that I want to see are Parymenopus davisoni and Toxodera sp. Early instar or maybe hatchling. Surprisingly reflective....grrr.. https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8647/16296617632_11d84d69aa_o.jpg Hymenopus coronatus_MG_5917 copy by Kurt (orionmystery...
by orionmystery
January 6th, 2015, 5:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A really Kuhl gecko & friends
Replies: 6
Views: 2799

Re: A really Kuhl gecko & friends

Thanks for looking and commenting, TheRealSnakeMan, fickle-minder, Jeroen, alessio.

TRSM - didn't notice the missing bit until you mentioned it.

alessio - it was quite high up but we persuaded it to come down.
by orionmystery
January 4th, 2015, 11:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A really Kuhl gecko & friends
Replies: 6
Views: 2799

A really Kuhl gecko & friends

This is a really "kuhl" gecko. Don't get to see him/her very often. Kuhl's Flying Gecko (Ptychozoon kuhli). Webbed feet and abdomen as well. Bad light in this one. Night shot. I do have a few natural light shots of this cutie in my Flickr stream though - https://www.flickr.com/photos/orion...
by orionmystery
January 4th, 2015, 12:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Oligodon signatus & others
Replies: 8
Views: 3431

Re: Oligodon signatus & others

mfb wrote:Great observation! I have never thought of snakes helping out snails (inadvertently) in that way.
Thanks, mfb.