Vipera ammodytes

Vipera ammodytes (Family: Viperidae;  common names: horned viper, long-nosed viper, nose-horned viper, sand viper)

Vipera ammodytes is a venomous viper species found in southern Europe through to the Balkans and parts of the Middle East. It is reputed to be the most dangerous of the European vipers due to its large size, long fangs (up to 13 mm) and high venom toxicity. The specific name is derived from the Greek words ammos and dutes, meaning "sand" and "burrower" or "diver"; not a very good name for an animal that actually prefers rocky habitats. (1)
This snake is not something you are likely to find in the wild. Maybe it is better this way. If you find it (assuming it does not attack you) it is good to know what you are shooting. We did not know. We took these photos of the head with the strange horn from a distance of 60 cm, we called it "rhino - snake" and thought we would identify it later at home. We did suspect, thought, that it was a venomous snake. We should add that  at the time those pictures were taken, we did not know there were vipers in Strophylia reserve.. 

Photos by Mahi Goula and George Parchas

Shooting Data:

1. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Lens: Canon EF 180mmf/3.5L USM Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/250 sec - f/11, Manual mode
Flash: No flash
Image: NEF edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, sharpening added saved as JPEG and resized.

2. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Lens: Canon EF 180mmf/3.5L USM Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/250 sec - f/11, Manual mode
Flash: No flash
Image: NEF edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, sharpening added saved as JPEG and resized.

3. Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Lens: Canon EF 180mmf/3.5L USM Macro 1:1
Sensitivity: ISO 100
Shutter speed - aperture: 1/250 sec - f/11, Manual mode
Flash: No flash
Image: NEF edited in Photoshop CS4, levels adjusted, sharpening added saved as JPEG and resized. 

(1) Wikipedia