Abstract
Prey capture was studied in nine species of venomous snakes. Rodent-specializing rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus, C. enyo, C. ruber, and C. viridis) usually delivered a single envenomating strike when mice wandered into range. The rodent was typically released immediately after the strike and was allowed to wander freely while venom took effect. Lizard-eating rattlesnakes (C. lepidus and C. pricei) also attacked mice, but these snakes delivered multiple strikes during predatory episodes. Cobras (Naja mossambica pallida) delivered multiple strikes and they tended to hold rodents in their jaws after each strike, releasing the.prey only when it exhibited retaliatory biting. These interspecific differences were interpreted as reflecting systematic variation in predatory tactics exhibited by these species in their respective natural environments.
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The authors thank P. Breslin, E. Cruz, and H. M. Smith for their various contributions to this project.
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Chiszar, D., Radcliffe, C.W., Byers, T. et al. Prey Capture Behavior in Nine Species of Venomous Snakes. Psychol Rec 36, 433–438 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394963
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394963