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Araneophagic Behaviour of the Elusive Snake Liopeltis calamaria (Günther, 1858) (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae)


Affiliations
1 Wayanad Wild, Lakkidi, Vythiri, Wayanad, Kerala - 673576, India
2 Dunsundale Estate, Dunsundale PO, Ooty - 643001, Nilgiris, India
3 Zoological Survey of India, Central Zone Regional Centre, Jabalpur - 482002, Madhya Pradesh, India
 

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Colubrids have evolved various modes and specializations in feeding behaviour including handling dangerous preys. This paper reports araneophagic behaviour in calamaria reed snake, Liopeltis calamaria (Günther, 1858). In an experiment on feeding behaviour of this species, conducted in captivity, spiders were preferred prey than other soft-bodied insects. This observation confirmed and is in congruence with the earlier observations from the gut content of Liopeltis species.

Keywords

Diet, Feeding Behaviour, Liopeltis, Nilgiris, Spider.
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  • Araneophagic Behaviour of the Elusive Snake Liopeltis calamaria (Günther, 1858) (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae)

Abstract Views: 519  |  PDF Views: 213

Authors

Surya Narayanan
Wayanad Wild, Lakkidi, Vythiri, Wayanad, Kerala - 673576, India
Smaran Somanna
Dunsundale Estate, Dunsundale PO, Ooty - 643001, Nilgiris, India
Pratyush P. Mohapatra
Zoological Survey of India, Central Zone Regional Centre, Jabalpur - 482002, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract


Colubrids have evolved various modes and specializations in feeding behaviour including handling dangerous preys. This paper reports araneophagic behaviour in calamaria reed snake, Liopeltis calamaria (Günther, 1858). In an experiment on feeding behaviour of this species, conducted in captivity, spiders were preferred prey than other soft-bodied insects. This observation confirmed and is in congruence with the earlier observations from the gut content of Liopeltis species.

Keywords


Diet, Feeding Behaviour, Liopeltis, Nilgiris, Spider.

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.26515/rzsi%2Fv120%2Fi2%2F2020%2F148078