Influence of prey movement on the aim of predatory strikes of the western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

Authors

Douglas F. Schmidt, Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington
William K. Hayes, Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington
Floyd E. Hayes, Walla Walla College, College Place, Washington

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) aims its predatory strike at the head/thorax region of mice primarily on the basis of cues related to the direction of prey movement. We hypothesized that when rattlesnakes strike at anesthetized, backward-moving mice, most strikes would be aimed at the forward-most-moving region, i.e., the posterior (abdomen/tail) region of prey. However, most mice were struck in the anterior (head/thorax) region, implying that the visual-infrared image of mice, rather than directional movement, guides the aim of predatory strikes.

Recommended Citation

Schmidt, Douglas F.; Hayes, William K.; and Hayes, Floyd E. (1993) "Influence of prey movement on the aim of predatory strikes of the western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 53: No. 2, Article 14.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol53/iss2/14