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On ecology and the significance of semantic coloration in the nocturnal desert-elapid Walterinnesia aegyptia Lataste (Reptiles, Ophidia)

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Summary

The noctural desert elapid Walterinnesia aegyptia Lataste was observed in the habitat and in captivity. This species is of extremely poor sight and finds its prey mainly by its olfactory sense. It is active around midnight at temperatures down to 10°C and collects various kinds of diurnal and crepuscular reptiles, which are pulled out of their hidingplaces. Its extremely semantic coloration serves as a defense device and does not come in to conflict with its specialized way of foraging.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology, University of the Negev, Beer-Sheba, Israel

    Hermann Zinner

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  1. Hermann Zinner
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I dedicate this publication to Josef Orr, Biology teacher in Mashabbei Sadde, who, years ago, guided my first herpetological steps in the Negev Desert, and with his friendship and help laid the basis for this and other ecological and ethological investigations.

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Zinner, H. On ecology and the significance of semantic coloration in the nocturnal desert-elapid Walterinnesia aegyptia Lataste (Reptiles, Ophidia). Oecologia 7, 267–275 (1971). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345217

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00345217

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