Rattlesnake orientation to prey as a function of thermal backgrounds and edges

摘要: Three experiments investigated the effects of thermal background on orientation western diamondback rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox)to prey. In Experiments 1 and 2, snakes responded more strongly to rodent prey in front cool backgrounds than identical warm backgrounds. Accordingly, we suggest that pitviper infrared system exhibits contrast such at approximately 37 °C are detected readily if is significantly lower temperature it higher temperature. Experiment 3 created a containing an edge between panels different temperatures (15 21 °C). Models were placed each panel border them. Snakes oriented model either others, suggesting was special significance. human visual studies, edges varying brightness give rise Mach bands which enhance salience edges. Perhaps analogous phenomenon occurs system.