21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Eyelash viper yellow form on Heliconia

Yellow Pit Vipers have been known to sit on plants like a Heliconia motionless until a hummingbird comes to sip some Heliconia nectar. At which point, the viper strikes. This was taken in Costa Rica where there are so many hummingbirds it may not have to wait too long for its chance.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 01.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Alajuela, Costa Rica
Camera: NIKON Z 9
Copyright: © William Halladay