AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Cues Influencing the Direction of Prey Ingestion of the Japanese Snake, Elaphe climacophora (Colubridae, Serpentes)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1971
Authors:Diefenbach, CO, Emslie, SG
Journal:Herpetologica
Volume:27
Issue:4
Date Published:1971
ISBN Number:00180831
Keywords:Hirundinidae, Hirundo, Hirundo rustica
Abstract:Adult Elaphe climacophora swallow self-killed mice significantly more often by the head than by the tail. The direction of ingestion appears to be influenced by the shape of the body and position of capture. Hair position and olfactory cues may be of secondary importance. The length of time required for swallowing head first is significantly less than if it proceeds tail first.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/3891285
Short Title:Herpetologica
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith