Antipredator behaviour of hatchling snakes: effects of incubation temperature and simulated predators☆

摘要: Abstract All animals that are exposed to predators must distinguish dangerous from nondangerous threats and respond correctly. In reptiles, emerging hatchlings vulnerable a wide range of predators, particularly if they emerge during daylight. these experiments I tested the response pine snake, Pituophis melanoleucus , incubated at 22–23, 27–28, or 32–33°C visual vibratory stimuli examine antipredator behaviour. Emerging were one five conditions: (1) hawk model, (2) white head model with no facial features, (3) black eyes, (4) person, (5) vibration without stimulus. null hypotheses differences in as function predator type incubation temperature. Emergence behaviour when undisturbed was affected by incubating temperature, antipredatory both Pine snake responded more protectively (withdrawal into tunnels) than defensively (striking), less intensity compared stimuli, required longer eyes all other types. Given relatively small size hatchlings, it is adaptive for them withdraw nest rather attack predator. Hatchlings eggs medium temperatures time their underground nests undisturbed, had stronger protective responses snakes temperatures. These results suggest generally higher lower