Constriction versus envenomation in prey capture by the brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis (Squamata: Colubridae)
Rochelle MJ and Kardong KV. 1993. Constriction versus envenomation in prey capture by the brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis (Squamata: Colubridae). Herpetologica. 49(3):301-304
The brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis, is a colubrid snake that employs constriction as a means of prey capture, yet it also possesses a Duvernoy's gland that is directly associated with a grooved, rear, maxillary fang. Prior investigations have hypothesized that the secretion from this gland is utilized by the snake for the rapid killing of rodent prey. To test this hypothesis, we compared the death rate of prey struck by brown tree snakes with and without the use of Duvernoy's secretion. We found no significant difference in the rate of death of rodents (Mus musculus) between snakes with full envenomation capabilities and those deprived of envenomation capabilities. Further, unlike some viperid snakes, the site on the body of the mouse where the fangs of B. irregularis were first engaged did not significantly affect rate of death. These results indicate that mechanical mechanisms (e.g., constriction, pinning), rather than a chemical mechanism (Duvernoy's secretions), play the primary role in producing rapid prey death by B. irregularis. The absence of a direct role of the secretion from a well-developed Duvernoy's gland in prey capture should invite a re-evaluation of this gland in colubrids generally.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Rochelle, Michael; Kardong, Kenneth
- Units
- PACN , WAPA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis), constriction, envenomation, Guam, Predation