Tongue Stung

Mike B in OKlahoma · Post by **Mike B in OKlahoma** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 2:37 pm

This is the Scheltopusik, a form of legless lizard that lives down near where MacroLuv hangs out, in the Balkans! These are not snakes, but sure look like them. Here's a shot showing more of this creature:

http://www.photomacrography1.net/forum/ ... heltopusik

As you can see, his tongue is quite UN-snakelike.

This was taken on my very first photo excursion with my bright shiny new EOS 40D and the not so shiny but totally trusty 180mm macro lens!

Controlled situation.

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Sun Nov 25, 2007 3:31 pm

Hey... Balkans? Where is that place?

I never saw or heard about Scheltopusik. But I often see Anguis fragilis (Croatian: sljepić) which is very common here.
Nice capture.

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:48 am

I am really thinking of getting one of those (not the lizard). An excellent photo Mike.....very upclose and personal.

Bruce Williams · Post by **Bruce Williams** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 10:58 am

Great shot Mike - has a very three dimensional feel to it.

Love the tongue - well you know....not literally... just from the point of view of a keen naturalist you understand....

.

Bruce

Mike B in OKlahoma · Post by **Mike B in OKlahoma** » Wed Nov 28, 2007 4:13 pm

Doug, so far I am delighted with the 40D. Best of all, the dust control seems to be working great--Not a sign of any dust in my shots so far! (Now that I've bragged about it, I'll probably jinx it).

Dread · Post by **Dread** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 8:47 am

a reptile importer brought in one of those here a couple of years back. The importer wasn't too knowledgable and claimed they came from Norway! What I figure is he confused the Balkans for the Baltic, and then thought Norway was a Baltic nation... brilliant! The animals has had numerous owners ever since, but is a resilient and interesting animal! The face is very much a lizard's... but people who will take the time to notice are few and far between in most parts!

I believe I know where it is now... I might have to go for a visit to take some shots

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Thu Nov 29, 2007 6:22 pm

That is one wild looking lizard there Mike

, can't say as if I have ever heard of one or even seen one until now. At first I was assuming it to be a snake. Really a neat shot with that 180. I am thinking of getting one of those, not the lizard mind you but the 180 or maybe a 150 Sigma.