ORCA Report

Authors

Tom Beckstead, Brigham Young University
Dr. Jack W. Sites Jr., Brigham Young University

Keywords

snakes, Dipsadinae, Neotropical, feeding adaptions, diet

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Snakes of the Neotropical subfamily Dipsadinae are poorly known from both ecological and phylogenetic perspectives, despite unique feeding adaptations and bizarre diets. Some of these snakes specialize on snails and slugs (ecologists refer to them as “goo eaters”), and they have a unique dentition and jaw structure that permits them to extract gastropod snails from their shells. Others have enlarged rear fangs, are mildly venomous, and prey on ectothermal vertebrates such as frogs, frog eggs, and lizards (Fig. 1).

Recommended Citation

Beckstead, Tom and Sites, Dr. Jack W. Jr. (2013) "ORCA Report," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1089.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1089