Wonders of Cold Blood - photos by Thor Hakonsen

Name: Wonders of Cold Blood - photos by Thor Hakonsen
Address: Neskollen, Nes, 2165HVAM, NO
Telephone: +4797513200

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Wonders of Cold Blood - photos by Thor Hakonsen

Photographer specializing on reptiles. CEWE Ambassador and member of Norske Naturfotografer/NN Specializing in reptiles and amphibians

15/07/2026

Variable Bush Viper (Atheris squamigera)

The variable bush viper (Atheris squamigera) is a venomous arboreal viper native to the tropical rainforests of West and Central Africa. It is found in countries ranging from Ghana and Nigeria to Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species was first described by the German naturalist Johann Georg Wagler in 1827.

Renowned for its striking appearance, the variable bush viper displays an extraordinary range of colors, including shades of green, yellow, orange, olive, and even blue-gray. Its strongly keeled scales give the snake a rough, almost spiny texture, providing excellent camouflage among dense vegetation. A primarily nocturnal ambush predator, it feeds on small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards.

The venom of Atheris squamigera is primarily hemotoxic and cytotoxic, causing pain, swelling, tissue damage, and disturbances in blood coagulation. Although severe envenomations have been reported, bites are relatively uncommon due to the species' secretive, arboreal lifestyle. When left undisturbed, the variable bush viper typically relies on its exceptional camouflage rather than defensive behavior.

With its remarkable color variation and unmistakable appearance, the variable bush viper is considered one of the most beautiful and charismatic vipers in the world.

Photographed in Mityana, Uganda

11/07/2026

Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes)

The sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes) is a venomous rattlesnake native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. It is best known for its unique sidewinding locomotion, a specialized form of movement that allows it to travel efficiently across loose sand while minimizing contact with the hot desert surface. The species was first described by George Engelmann in 1861.

An ambush predator, the sidewinder feeds primarily on small mammals, lizards, and birds, often burying itself beneath the sand with only its eyes and distinctive horn-like scales exposed. Its venom is primarily hemotoxic, causing local tissue damage, pain, and disruption of blood clotting, although serious systemic effects can also occur. Despite its potent venom, the sidewinder is generally shy and will usually avoid confrontation when given the opportunity.

Perfectly adapted to one of the harshest environments on Earth, the sidewinder is considered one of North America's most remarkable desert reptiles.

Photographed in Arizona, USA

08/07/2026

White-lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris)

The white-lipped pit viper (Trimeresurus albolabris) is a venomous arboreal pit viper native to Southeast Asia, where it occurs in countries including Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and southern China. It inhabits forests, bamboo thickets, plantations, and even gardens near human settlements. The species was first described by the British zoologist John Edward Gray in 1842.

Easily recognized by its vivid green coloration and distinctive white or pale yellow stripe along the upper lip, the white-lipped pit viper is a nocturnal ambush predator that feeds primarily on small mammals, birds, frogs, and lizards. Like other pit vipers, it possesses heat-sensitive facial pits that allow it to accurately detect warm-blooded prey, even in complete darkness.

Its venom is primarily hemotoxic and cytotoxic, causing pain, swelling, tissue damage, and disruption of normal blood clotting. Although bites can be medically significant and require prompt treatment, the white-lipped pit viper is generally calm and relies on camouflage as its primary defense rather than aggression.

With its striking emerald-green appearance and excellent camouflage, Trimeresurus albolabris is one of the most recognizable and photographed pit vipers in Southeast Asia.

Photographed in and around Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand

05/07/2026

Asp Viper (Vipera aspis)

The asp viper (Vipera aspis) is a venomous snake native to southwestern Europe, occurring in France, Italy, Switzerland, western Slovenia, and parts of northern Spain. It inhabits a wide range of environments, including rocky hillsides, forest edges, vineyards, and mountain meadows. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and is one of Europe's best-known vipers.

An ambush predator, the asp viper feeds primarily on small mammals, lizards, and occasionally birds. Its venom is predominantly hemotoxic and cytotoxic, causing pain, swelling, tissue damage, and disturbances in blood clotting. Some populations also possess venom with neurotoxic properties, which can lead to neurological symptoms such as ptosis, muscle weakness, and, in rare cases, respiratory impairment. Although bites require prompt medical attention, the asp viper is generally secretive and prefers to avoid humans whenever possible.

With its highly variable coloration, distinctive head shape, and remarkable adaptability, the asp viper is one of the most fascinating and widespread venomous snakes in Europe.

Photographed in Rioja and Burgos, Spain and Inntertkirchen, Switzerland

30/06/2026

Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica)

The Gaboon viper (Bitis gabonica) is a large venomous viper native to the rainforests and savannas of sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for its intricate camouflage and broad, triangular head, it is a slow-moving ambush predator that relies on remaining motionless to capture small mammals and birds. The species was first described by the Belgian-British zoologist George Albert Boulenger in 1896.

Gaboon vipers possess the longest fangs of any snake, reaching up to 5 cm (2 in) in length. Their venom is primarily hemotoxic and cytotoxic, causing severe tissue damage, pain, swelling, and disruption of blood clotting. Despite their potent venom, Gaboon vipers are generally calm and defensive, preferring to remain concealed rather than confront potential threats.

With their remarkable patterning and impressive anatomy, Gaboon vipers are considered among the most striking and iconic vipers in the world.

Photographed in Mabira forest, Uganda

27/06/2026

Nose-horned Viper (Vipera ammodytes)

The nose-horned viper (Vipera ammodytes) is a venomous snake native to southern Europe and parts of the Balkans and western Asia. Easily recognized by the distinctive horn-like scale on the tip of its snout, it inhabits rocky hillsides, scrublands, and open woodlands. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and is considered one of the most venomous vipers in Europe.

Like other vipers, Vipera ammodytes is primarily an ambush predator, feeding on small mammals, birds, and lizards. Its venom is predominantly hemotoxic, affecting blood coagulation and causing tissue damage, but it also contains neurotoxic components that can interfere with nerve transmission. Although bites can be medically significant, this species is generally shy and prefers to avoid confrontation when disturbed.

With its unique appearance and wide distribution, the nose-horned viper is one of Europe's most iconic and fascinating snakes.

Photograhed in Epirus, Macedonia and Thrace, Greece

24/06/2026

Malayan Pit Viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma)

The Malayan pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma) is a venomous snake native to Southeast Asia, occurring in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, and parts of Indonesia. It is a primarily terrestrial species, often found in dry forests, plantations, and agricultural areas, where its cryptic pattern provides excellent camouflage among leaf litter.

Unlike many arboreal pit vipers, the Malayan pit viper spends most of its time on the ground, ambushing small mammals, birds, and reptiles. It is particularly active at night and relies on heat-sensitive facial pits to detect prey. The species was first described by the German naturalist Heinrich Kuhl in 1824 and remains one of the most medically significant venomous snakes in its range due to its proximity to human settlements.

Photographed in Trang and Huan Hin, Thailand

21/06/2026

Tenasserim Pit Viper (Trimeresurus tenasserimensis)

The Tenasserim pit viper (Trimeresurus tenasserimensis) is a venomous pit viper native to the Tenasserim Mountain Range of southeastern Myanmar and western Thailand. This striking green species inhabits forested environments, where its coloration provides excellent camouflage among leaves and branches. Like other pit vipers, it possesses heat-sensitive facial pits that help it locate prey in low light conditions.

Although known to science through museum specimens for many years, the Tenasserim pit viper was formally described as a distinct species only in 2024, following a detailed taxonomic revision of the Trimeresurus popeiorum species complex. It is generally a secretive, nocturnal predator that feeds on small vertebrates and relies on camouflage as its primary defense.

Photographed in Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand

25/01/2026

His warning is music for anyone who knows how to listen

The western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) is one of North America’s most familiar pit vipers, common in deserts, grasslands, and scrub of the southwest United States and Mexico. Its dark‑edged diamonds and banded tail warn would‑be predators of potent venom and a famously loud rattle. This pale individual coils among dry grasses, tongue tasting the air for chemical traces of rodents or rabbits. The bright, high‑key light softens the scene, yet the raised head and tense body leave no doubt that the snake is fully aware.

Nikon D5 - Sigma 180 f/2.8 OS Macro

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