Intraspecific oophagy in Hierophis viridiflavus (Serpentes: Colubridae) during oviposition in a controlled environment

Abstract

Following the observation of adult pairs of the Western Whipsnake, Hierophis viridiflavus, in a controlled environment, two distinct but related phenomena were observed: egg deposition and predation of freshly laid eggs by the male. Data about deposition, number and morphology of the eggs, hatching and offspring are presented and compared with the literature. The episode of oophagy is described, confirming the inclination to predate snake eggs and intraspecific oophagy in this species.

Keywords

• Egg deposition
• Intraspecific predation
• Reproduction
• Snakes
• Western Whipsnake