Theme 6 - Camouflage
Moderator: Scott Waters
- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
- Location: Unicoi, TN
Theme 6 - Camouflage
Theme 6 - Camouflage
The spirit of this theme is to show herps (or maybe even other creatures), that you may have encountered, that show an ability to blend into a surrounding.
Any pics that can show a really good example might want to be followed by a pic that points out the camouflaged individual, if possible.
An added caveat might be for pics of herps that didn’t really quite make it, like a bright green anole who was sure he wasn't seen on a brown piece of wood.
Resist pics that are so far away, you can’t see the animal, but it’s not because it’s camouflaged, it’s just too far to see.
Example:
Do you see the Rat Snake in the picture?
You’re good if you do.
It is not really camouflaged; it’s just too far to see.
General guidelines:
. One post per day.
. No more than 3 pics per post.
. Pics can be of great or poor quality, as long as they communicate the theme.
. Pics can be from any time in your library.
. If you like, paint a picture with any interesting short story that includes the theme and enhances your pics.
Theme 7 – “Photo bombs” will follow next week on Saturday, unless contribution momentum slows to a crawl, then we’ll start it sooner.
Theme lineup for first group of themes:
Theme 7 Photo bombs (human or otherwise) that get into the frame as you are taking the picture. These would include inadvertent herps that you didn't realize were there when you took the picture.
Theme 8 Dealing with the public, either a lesson or a lecture to a group of non-herpers, LE encounters, etc. The common thread here being a herper in an interaction with non-herper
The spirit of this theme is to show herps (or maybe even other creatures), that you may have encountered, that show an ability to blend into a surrounding.
Any pics that can show a really good example might want to be followed by a pic that points out the camouflaged individual, if possible.
An added caveat might be for pics of herps that didn’t really quite make it, like a bright green anole who was sure he wasn't seen on a brown piece of wood.
Resist pics that are so far away, you can’t see the animal, but it’s not because it’s camouflaged, it’s just too far to see.
Example:
Do you see the Rat Snake in the picture?
You’re good if you do.
It is not really camouflaged; it’s just too far to see.
General guidelines:
. One post per day.
. No more than 3 pics per post.
. Pics can be of great or poor quality, as long as they communicate the theme.
. Pics can be from any time in your library.
. If you like, paint a picture with any interesting short story that includes the theme and enhances your pics.
Theme 7 – “Photo bombs” will follow next week on Saturday, unless contribution momentum slows to a crawl, then we’ll start it sooner.
Theme lineup for first group of themes:
Theme 7 Photo bombs (human or otherwise) that get into the frame as you are taking the picture. These would include inadvertent herps that you didn't realize were there when you took the picture.
Theme 8 Dealing with the public, either a lesson or a lecture to a group of non-herpers, LE encounters, etc. The common thread here being a herper in an interaction with non-herper
- Josh Young
- Posts: 262
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:59 pm
- Location: Wakulla County, Florida
- Contact:
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Juvenile gray rat snake, displaying it's common name here in south Georgia, oak snake, as it blends in with a oak tree in my yard.
Gray rat snake. by Joshua W. Young, on Flickr
A large rough green snake, that baffled a few herpers as to if it were indeed a snake or leaves. It took taking a photo and zooming in on it to see scalation to determine it was indeed a snake.
Rough green snake sleeping. by Joshua W. Young, on Flickr
And a brooks kingsnake that thought he was a little more blended in that he really was.
Brooksi Florida kingsnake. by Joshua W. Young, on Flickr
Gray rat snake. by Joshua W. Young, on Flickr
A large rough green snake, that baffled a few herpers as to if it were indeed a snake or leaves. It took taking a photo and zooming in on it to see scalation to determine it was indeed a snake.
Rough green snake sleeping. by Joshua W. Young, on Flickr
And a brooks kingsnake that thought he was a little more blended in that he really was.
Brooksi Florida kingsnake. by Joshua W. Young, on Flickr
- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
- Location: Unicoi, TN
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
An Oldie, but a Goodie.
circa 1979, Copperhead in my yard.
circa 1979, Copperhead in my yard.
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Copperheads are certainly one of the best camouflaged snakes in the east.
One of these copperheads is pretty obvious (as is the rattlesnake), but it wasn't until I viewed my photos on the computer that I realized there was a second copperhead hiding under the leaves (in the middle of the frame).
One of these copperheads is pretty obvious (as is the rattlesnake), but it wasn't until I viewed my photos on the computer that I realized there was a second copperhead hiding under the leaves (in the middle of the frame).
- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
- Location: Unicoi, TN
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Wow, Kevin,
That second is an accident waiting to happen to some herper who's overconfident and has to touch everything seen!!
That second is an accident waiting to happen to some herper who's overconfident and has to touch everything seen!!
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
These critters can be a lot harder to find than this picture makes it look when walking through a swamp submerged to my chest. The effort I put in to find these critters makes me feel like they belong here as being camouflaged haha.
I looked right over this Narrow-mouth. I would have never found it had it not moved onto the grass. Sitting amongst the wet, burnt ground, allows the brown and black of the frog to really break up its body shape. Not to mention the debris stuck to it.
This one I'm calling camo because I can't ID the darn critter! It was along a creek that has both Agkistrodon piscovorus and Nerodia taxispilota. If it was a Nerodia, it used its natural camo well because I left it alone thinking it was an Agkistrodon at the time. Anyone care to wager? Can't see the head or tail.
I looked right over this Narrow-mouth. I would have never found it had it not moved onto the grass. Sitting amongst the wet, burnt ground, allows the brown and black of the frog to really break up its body shape. Not to mention the debris stuck to it.
This one I'm calling camo because I can't ID the darn critter! It was along a creek that has both Agkistrodon piscovorus and Nerodia taxispilota. If it was a Nerodia, it used its natural camo well because I left it alone thinking it was an Agkistrodon at the time. Anyone care to wager? Can't see the head or tail.
- Rich in Reptiles
- Posts: 494
- Joined: November 30th, 2012, 7:45 am
- Location: Missouri
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Green frog in situ by Bethany Avilla, on Flickr
rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Bethany Avilla, on Flickr
The ultimate camouflaged animal- the green salamander! Thanks to Joseph Jenkins for helping me track down this amazing species last summer!
Green salamander (Aneides aeneus)!!!! by Bethany Avilla, on Flickr
Green salamander in rock crevice by Bethany Avilla, on Flickr
Have a great week everyone!
-Bethany
rough green snake (Opheodrys aestivus) by Bethany Avilla, on Flickr
The ultimate camouflaged animal- the green salamander! Thanks to Joseph Jenkins for helping me track down this amazing species last summer!
Green salamander (Aneides aeneus)!!!! by Bethany Avilla, on Flickr
Green salamander in rock crevice by Bethany Avilla, on Flickr
Have a great week everyone!
-Bethany
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Some good ones. I've always tried to be careful, especially in the fall, in copperhead country. There are some perfect examples here.
Here's an animal that takes its adaptation to dominant substrate to an extreme. Crotalus lepidus lepidus blending into it's pinkish sandstone home. I think C. lepidus ssp. are interesting in that you can almost know specifically where a certain animal came from just by it's coloration, which will generally match it's rocky habitat.
-Jake
Here's an animal that takes its adaptation to dominant substrate to an extreme. Crotalus lepidus lepidus blending into it's pinkish sandstone home. I think C. lepidus ssp. are interesting in that you can almost know specifically where a certain animal came from just by it's coloration, which will generally match it's rocky habitat.
-Jake
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Not a whole lot ever happens in the south central forums, so I figured I'd add some Texas flavor to our neighboring chapter.
This one is small in the frame, but it should be obvious in the focal plane:
Coluber constrictor flaviventris (Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
A little bit more obvious but well hidden Pygmy rattlesnake:
Sistrurus miliarus streckeri (Western Pygmy Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
Canebrake from central Louisiana:
Crotalus horridus (Canebrake Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
This one is small in the frame, but it should be obvious in the focal plane:
Coluber constrictor flaviventris (Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
A little bit more obvious but well hidden Pygmy rattlesnake:
Sistrurus miliarus streckeri (Western Pygmy Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
Canebrake from central Louisiana:
Crotalus horridus (Canebrake Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Yep. That is from a gestation site. It is imperative to scan the leaf litter very carefully before putting your hands anywhere or when trying to set up for a photo session to make sure there isn't one of those guys hiding nearby.BillMcGighan wrote:Wow, Kevin,
That second is an accident waiting to happen to some herper who's overconfident and has to touch everything seen!!
Good thing, because it definitely is a cottonmouth.simus343 wrote:I left it alone thinking it was an Agkistrodon at the time.
Nice stuff, Kyle. You went a tad over the 3 photos per day limit, but it was well worth it.Soopaman wrote:Not a whole lot ever happens in the south central forums, so I figured I'd add some Texas flavor to our neighboring chapter.
Here are a couple eastern diamondbacks.
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Thanks, Kevin! Sorry, I didn't fully read the rules and missed the three per day part. I removed some photos and will post them later.
- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
- Location: Unicoi, TN
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
To pick up on Jake's concept, that some west Texas, variable toned animals sometimes resemble their rock habitats:
(Actually, I found this animal, while taking pics of a "lepidus", and while moving for a different angle, I backed up near these rocks. In the middle of setting the camera, a buzzing started a few feet behind me.
My wife was really confused because she heard the rattle, but it did not make sense that it came from the "lepidus" between us!)
(Actually, I found this animal, while taking pics of a "lepidus", and while moving for a different angle, I backed up near these rocks. In the middle of setting the camera, a buzzing started a few feet behind me.
My wife was really confused because she heard the rattle, but it did not make sense that it came from the "lepidus" between us!)
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
I have photos to share, but they are on my home computer. But, this was shared with me recently so I'll share it here.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2015/ ... hotos.html
http://www.slate.com/blogs/behold/2015/ ... hotos.html
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
I didn't realize how few shots I've taken displaying crypsis. I have to rectify this.
There are some very cool shots on this thread but Kyle that canebrake is outstanding I also love Josh's juv ratsnake.
Phrynosoma hernandesi
IMGP2664 by nacairn, on Flickr
This guy showed his hand but with his head down was very hard to see.
Apalone spinifera
IMGP8308 by nacairn, on Flickr
Nerodia sipedon
IMGP0517 by nacairn, on Flickr
There are some very cool shots on this thread but Kyle that canebrake is outstanding I also love Josh's juv ratsnake.
Phrynosoma hernandesi
IMGP2664 by nacairn, on Flickr
This guy showed his hand but with his head down was very hard to see.
Apalone spinifera
IMGP8308 by nacairn, on Flickr
Nerodia sipedon
IMGP0517 by nacairn, on Flickr
- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
- Location: Unicoi, TN
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
When everything else on earth eats you, you have to be quick and hidden:
Or quick and not so hidden:
A boolean condition: camo NOT:
Or quick and not so hidden:
A boolean condition: camo NOT:
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Here's a few more:
Crotalus horridus (Canebrake Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
In this photo a 4ft western diamondback is visible. I nearly stepped on this snake while looking for them on the Texas coast. Almost the entire body is in the photo, if you can find it.
Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
A little bit closer and easier to see:
Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
Crotalus horridus (Canebrake Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
In this photo a 4ft western diamondback is visible. I nearly stepped on this snake while looking for them on the Texas coast. Almost the entire body is in the photo, if you can find it.
Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
A little bit closer and easier to see:
Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
- SnakeStick
- Posts: 355
- Joined: August 18th, 2010, 5:35 pm
- Location: Hilton Head Island, South Cackalacky
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Copperhead - A. c. contortrix by Ian Deery, on Flickr
Canebrake - C. horridus by Ian Deery, on Flickr
Eastern Diamondback - C. adamanteus by Ian Deery, on Flickr
-
- Posts: 1165
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 7:25 am
- Location: Mobile, AL
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Spooky how well these vipers can just disappear. The only good examples I have personally seen were mud covered cottonmouths. Never got a decent picture before they were disturbed.
As for other herps, I love fence lizards. This is during the 'show and tell' part of our excursion. I should have snapped a quick one when I first saw it from around thirty yards on a sunny tree trunk (it's tiny shadow gave away a lizard outline that interested my brain to look that way).
How about a non herp shot? Found at the entrance to one of my favorite herping spots, a true chicken of the woods.
This isn't the best hiding spider, but they can be invisible on rocks along a river. Never see them until you about put your hand on it. That's when you notice they are the same size as your palm.
-Brad
As for other herps, I love fence lizards. This is during the 'show and tell' part of our excursion. I should have snapped a quick one when I first saw it from around thirty yards on a sunny tree trunk (it's tiny shadow gave away a lizard outline that interested my brain to look that way).
How about a non herp shot? Found at the entrance to one of my favorite herping spots, a true chicken of the woods.
This isn't the best hiding spider, but they can be invisible on rocks along a river. Never see them until you about put your hand on it. That's when you notice they are the same size as your palm.
-Brad
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
A couple more eastern diamondbacks:
And a large timber (canebrake) that I almost stepped on:
And a large timber (canebrake) that I almost stepped on:
- SnakeStick
- Posts: 355
- Joined: August 18th, 2010, 5:35 pm
- Location: Hilton Head Island, South Cackalacky
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
C. adamanteus - Eastern Diamondback by Ian Deery, on Flickr
C. adamanteus - Eastern Diamondback by Ian Deery, on Flickr
C. adamanteus - Eastern Diamondback by Ian Deery, on Flickr
- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
- Location: Unicoi, TN
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
I thought Copperheads would dominate this, but it looks like EDBs win out!
Great stuff, folks.
Great stuff, folks.
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Or maybe copperheads are just so well camouflaged that we don't have as many photos showing it as we do diamondbacks?
-
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Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
I love these cryptic photos! Amazing how they use this defense and/or predatory mechanism. Here is one from last late Spring.
Cary
Cary
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
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Florida Pine, courtesy of Jimmy S.
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Timber
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Fence Lizard
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
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Indiana Hog
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Ky Timber
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Illinois Timber
- Berkeley Boone
- Posts: 878
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 4:02 am
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Late in the game, but I've got a few contributions.
I love flounder- they are one of the most well camouflaged fish out there. I like snorkeling, and encounter them occasionally. I always watch them for a few minutes, they just fascinate me.
Here are some images of flounder taken in sea grass beds.
flounder1 by bwboone, on Flickr
I do a yearly wildlife presentation for my sister's school, where she teaches second grade. After the big program, I stay and do a smaller presentation for her class. She tries to tie in my visit with her lessons on camouflage, and I created a powerpoint that shows images of camo animals. There are three pictures to each animal I show. The first is the animal in it's habitat:
flounder (2) by bwboone, on Flickr
The second is the same picture, but with the animal circled in some obnoxiously bright color so that the outline can more easily be seen:
flounder revealed by bwboone, on Flickr
The third image I show them is the animal that was in the pictures, but against a plain or a contrasting background so that the kids can see what the animal looks like by itself, and see how that camo helps it to blend in. They love it! (those are my three pics for today, so no 'blank' photo to show here....)
More camo photos later.
--Berkeley
I love flounder- they are one of the most well camouflaged fish out there. I like snorkeling, and encounter them occasionally. I always watch them for a few minutes, they just fascinate me.
Here are some images of flounder taken in sea grass beds.
flounder1 by bwboone, on Flickr
I do a yearly wildlife presentation for my sister's school, where she teaches second grade. After the big program, I stay and do a smaller presentation for her class. She tries to tie in my visit with her lessons on camouflage, and I created a powerpoint that shows images of camo animals. There are three pictures to each animal I show. The first is the animal in it's habitat:
flounder (2) by bwboone, on Flickr
The second is the same picture, but with the animal circled in some obnoxiously bright color so that the outline can more easily be seen:
flounder revealed by bwboone, on Flickr
The third image I show them is the animal that was in the pictures, but against a plain or a contrasting background so that the kids can see what the animal looks like by itself, and see how that camo helps it to blend in. They love it! (those are my three pics for today, so no 'blank' photo to show here....)
More camo photos later.
--Berkeley
- Berkeley Boone
- Posts: 878
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 4:02 am
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Do you see it? It is in plain sight....
camocritter by bwboone, on Flickr
A copperhead in motion, showing how their pattern and coloration helps to conceal them even as they escape:
coppainmotion by bwboone, on Flickr
Brad nearly stepped on this fellow as we poked around an old school building. This is in situ:
crohoratr by bwboone, on Flickr
--Berkeley
p.s.- the first one is Pseudacris ornata, just to the right of center.
camocritter by bwboone, on Flickr
A copperhead in motion, showing how their pattern and coloration helps to conceal them even as they escape:
coppainmotion by bwboone, on Flickr
Brad nearly stepped on this fellow as we poked around an old school building. This is in situ:
crohoratr by bwboone, on Flickr
--Berkeley
p.s.- the first one is Pseudacris ornata, just to the right of center.
- Berkeley Boone
- Posts: 878
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 4:02 am
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Sorry to drop all these posts all in a row...I've been out of town, and haven't gotten to contribute periodically!
Gaboon Vipers at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. (Great zoo, if you haven't been there). Gaboons have some superb camouflage!
gaboon vipers by bwboone, on Flickr
And revealed, as I would show my sister's class:
gaboon vipers revealed by bwboone, on Flickr
And one from the backyard:
hylchr by bwboone, on Flickr
--Berkeley
Gaboon Vipers at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. (Great zoo, if you haven't been there). Gaboons have some superb camouflage!
gaboon vipers by bwboone, on Flickr
And revealed, as I would show my sister's class:
gaboon vipers revealed by bwboone, on Flickr
And one from the backyard:
hylchr by bwboone, on Flickr
--Berkeley
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
It's been a good 10 years or so, but yes, Riverbanks has a good herp collection. I was particularly impressed with the "SC Gallery".
Except I recall a Pine Snake in an EDB exhibit, it could've caused an ID confusion for a less experienced person.
Except I recall a Pine Snake in an EDB exhibit, it could've caused an ID confusion for a less experienced person.
- Berkeley Boone
- Posts: 878
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 4:02 am
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Agreed, Barry. That was my one hang-up that stood out to me as well.Barry R wrote:It's been a good 10 years or so, but yes, Riverbanks has a good herp collection. I was particularly impressed with the "SC Gallery".
Except I recall a Pine Snake in an EDB exhibit, it could've caused an ID confusion for a less experienced person.
--Berkeley
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- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
- Location: Unicoi, TN
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
More good ones, James.
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
Since this one is still going a little bit, here are a few recent diamondbacks:
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
The other diamondback, to contrast with Kevin's.
He wasn't as camouflaged as he thought, but he never rattled or moved even when I brought the wide angle lens out and got close:
Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
He wasn't as camouflaged as he thought, but he never rattled or moved even when I brought the wide angle lens out and got close:
Crotalus atrox (Western Diamondbacked Rattlesnake) by Kyle L.E., on Flickr
- BillMcGighan
- Posts: 2362
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 9:23 am
- Location: Unicoi, TN
Re: Theme 6 - Camouflage
These EDBs and WDBs are all great contributions, guys.