Preliminary Observations on Chemical Preference, Antipredator Responses, and Prey-Handling Behavior of Juvenile Leioheterodon madagascariensis (Colubridae).

摘要: Innate responses to prey chemicals, antipredator responses, and prey-handling behavior of a Madagascan colubrid snake, Leioheterodon madagascariensis, were experimentally examined. In chemical test, ingestively naive hatchlings flicked their tongues frequently the chemicals prepared from animal taxa included in natural diets, suggesting presence innate preference. second three different types stimuli presented elicit hatchlings. nonmoving stimulus session, only single snake struck exhibited characteristic displays such as body flattening, neck head elevation, jerk. moving either no specific or simple flight response was exhibited. tactile above Among these, lateral tilting posture accompanying elevation flattening unique L. madagascariensis. third five animals offered juveniles examine effects size type on behavior, but detected. Direction ingestion seemed depend initial bite position. Constricting observed trial. All one swallowed alive. This inflexibility methods juvenile snakes may reflect characteristics generalist feeders, which require ontogenetic experiences handle efficiently. Although madagascariensis is considered have well-developed Duvernoy's glands with enlarged, posterior maxillary teeth, gland secretion did not seem cause rapid death prey.