Discrimination of integumentary prey chemicals and strike-induced chemosensory searching in the ball python,Python regius |
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Authors: | William E Cooper Jr |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Biological Sciences, Indiana University Purdue University at Fort Wayne, 46805 Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA |
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Abstract: | Experimental tests show that the ball python (Python regius) has the ability to discriminate prey chemicals from control substances by tongue-flicking and exhibits a poststrike elevation
in tongue-flicking rate (PETF). Prey chemical discrimination was revealed by significantly higher number of tongue-flicks
and tongue-flick attack score in response to integumental chemicals from mice than to cologne or distilled water and by a
higher frequency of biting in response to prey than control chemicals. PETF was indicated by higher tongue-flicking rates
after biting than in several control conditions. Concurrent movements of the body suggest the operation of strike-induced
chemosensory searching (SICS). Ecological factors affecting responses to prey chemicals, including defensive behaviors and
characteristics of foraging behavior related to reliance on different sensory modalities, are discussed. The presence of PETF
and SICS in a henophidian snake and in scleroglossan lizards suggests that these behaviors are plesiomorphic in snakes. |
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