Parallax (Cryptelytrops insularis) is finally here!! :-D

[Will0W783]

Oh boy, he's finally home! I'm a huge fan of the Wetar Island pit vipers (C. insularis) and I've been looking for one for a while now. I've been back and forth with several friends who breed them, but things always seemed to not work out...stillbirths, or I couldn't get the money, etc. Last weekend at Hamburg, I ran into Al Coritz, who you guys probably know as Viper Keeper. He lives less than an hour from me and had a few yearling C. insularis, so I was able to get one. I spent most of the day there on Saturday, and I got to clean some cages, help feed, and I saw all the amazing animals. I've been watching these snakes on You Tube for years, so to see them in the flesh was just...unreal. It was really neat how they all seemed to know him and were quite relaxed, but they were wary of me and very curious. A few were downright angry as soon as I walked in, but settled down once I was there for a few hours. It was far better than a trip to the zoo- I saw some animals I will probably never see anywhere else.

And, I got to bring my little Wetar home. He's just amazing...absolutely as beautiful as I imagined. They are such yellow snakes, with angular, large heat pits and red-orange eyes. Little Parallax settled right in, explored every inch of his cage and dropped down to look for food. He chowed down on two pinks last night. I need to get him some slightly larger prey at the Oaks show this Saturday. It's really neat how alert and curious he is- he comes to the front of the cage, tongue flicking like mad, when I walk in and come to his cage. He's just awesome, and I can't wait to see him grown up. I feel so honored to have been able to see Al's amazing snakes, and to have one of them in my own house now.

So here is my little yellow gem:

[Will0W783]

Here he is chowing down on some pinks:

[Aaron_S]

Cool stuff but nope. Not for me. I'd die.

[Will0W783]

They definitely aren't for everyone. But I love them, and now that I've made them a part of my life, I can't imagine being without them. Wetars are exceptional- they are so alert and curious, and watch every movement.

[alessia55]

He is beautiful, congrats! Did you get any other photos while you were over there??

[Will0W783]

I didn't take my camera, because I didn't want to seem presumptuous. I will be going back soon, and Al told me to bring one next time.

[snake man12]

Beautiful snake. I am going to oaks, I hope to see some rattlesnakes and gaboon vipers like last time

[Aaron_S]

By the way. Coolest name.

[Will0W783]

I'll hopefully see you there, Zach. Aaron, thanks. I love using Marvel character names for the tree vipers...they seem to fit them.

[shaunyboy]

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

Cool stuff but nope. Not for me. I'd die.

^^^^^
same here mate,i'd be dead within a week

he looks great kimberly,such a big powerful head for such a wee snake

i think vipers have the best head shape of all snakes

cheers shaun

[Will0W783]

Thanks Shauny, I really love pit viper heads too. They're just so big and angular.

[BarelyBreathing]

He's beautiful!

[botis]

Beautiful! These guys are a lot of fun. Like you said, they're very active and alert for an arboreal viper. Quite bitey, too

[Will0W783]

Bitey arboreal vipers are fun, botis! Fortunately Wetars aren't too large, so I can stay out of the range fairly easily. For some reason, I find angry arboreal vipers to be enjoyable and amusing. They are predictable- and that is better than a snake that pretends to be your buddy for years, only to one day destroy you.

[botis]

I agree, docile snakes can cause one to become complacent. I like my snakes with a little personality, too. The wetars will definitely keep you on your toes. When agitated, mine like to rush the front of the cage and try to jump out at me...lol.