Ontogeny of striking, prey-handling and envenomation behavior of prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis).
The ontogeny of striking, prey-handling and envenomation behavior was studied in the prairie rattlesnake (Crotalus v. viridis). Snakes of three size classes (small, medium, large) were allowed to strike and envenomate deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) of corresponding size. The mass of venom expended in a single strike, assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of whole-mouse homogenates, increased exponentially with length of the snake. Small snakes embedded their fangs in prey for a longer duration than larger snakes. Mice were always struck and released, regardless of snake or prey size. Latency to immobilization was similar for mice envenomated by medium and large snakes; small mice struck by small snakes were not mobile. Latency to death and death rate (latency to death divided by mass of mouse) were greater for mice envenomated by small snakes as compared to medium and large snakes. These findings further clarify the ontogenetic and functional relationships between venom, morphology, diet and behavior. They also illustrate how behavior may be modified to maximize envenomation and feeding success.
Department of Zoology and Physiology, University of Wyoming, Laramie 82070.
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WK
Hayes
D000818:Animals; D003435:Crotalid Venoms / Q000633:toxicity*; D010542:Peromyscus; D011235:Predatory Behavior; D012911:Snakes / Q000502:physiology*
D003435:Crotalid Venoms