Biotemas (Dec 2006)
Strategy for subduing prey in the predatory behavior of Crotalus durissus collilineatus Amaral, 1926, in captivity
Abstract
Studies of the predatory behavior of six specimens of hatchlings from the same clutch of Crotalus durissus collilineatus, born and raised in captivity, were conducted. The animal focal technique (observing the snakes through a glass visor) was used in studying the snakes in order to minimize stress. The snakes were fed mice sequentially and were observed until they no longer sought the prey. Different capture strategies were adopted by this subspecies after the first occasion on which prey was caught. Percentages of the total number of capture strategies observed indicate that 20% (n = 4) made use of seizure, and 80% (n = 16) made use of poisoning, as a mean of subduing prey. The strategy of seizing prey manifested itself on the third or fourth occasion that prey was offered and appeared to be linked to the small size of the prey. It was observed that in 95% (n = 20) of the cases, ingestion began with the cranium of the prey. Regardless of the body part that was ingested first by the serpent, all serpents displayed adjustment behavior of the cranium/head and the jaws (“yawning”).
