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Most efficient method of prey capture
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by nietzsche on March 1, 2010
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Does anyone know what is considered the most energy efficient way for snakes to capture/subdue prey, venom or constriction? Is there any difference in the feeding frequency of snakes that use one method versus another, or does this differ on an individual basis? I am interested in those that occupy the same ecological niche, but procure prey by different methods.
Thank you,
Kelly
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RE: Most efficient method of prey capture
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by FSB on March 1, 2010
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Venom is more costly for the snake to produce, but safer for the snake in that it minimizes contact with prey. Constriction doesn't cost the snake much metabolically, other than the energy involved, but it does require that the coils come into close contact with the teeth and claws of struggling prey, posing a higher risk of injury to the snake. Both are extremely efficient methods of dispatching prey however, and there is some cause to argue that large constrictors can be more dangerous to their handlers than venomous snakes. In the event of a venomous bite there is at least the recourse of prompt medical attention and antivenom available, but a person who has a bad mishap with a 5 or 6 meter python could be dead in a few minutes without someone there to help.
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RE: Most efficient method of prey capture
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by MikeB on March 2, 2010
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Is it more efficient for a person to cook at home or eat out? Cooking at home consumes time and electricity/gas. Eating out costs more in dollars and you could be run over by a semi on the way. Overall the mode of food procurement is best for a given species because it has evolved that way to achieve the highest gain for the lowest energy output/risk.
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RE: Most efficient method of prey capture
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by earthguy on March 2, 2010
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Kelly,
I don't know if anybody can come up with a satisfactory answer to your question. Basically Natural Selection (along with other Evolutionary driving forces) has lead each predatory species (not just snakes) to a system of predation that very neatly (albeit delicately) balances risk and reward. Even among "constrictors" there are varying methods of subduing prey (compare the brutal mastication of the Drymarchon to the speedy coils of a Pantherophis to the power coils of a Boa, for example). And you just have to do a quick search in the SHHS experts archives to get a good understanding of the wide array of venom proteins that different snakes carry in their arsenal to begin to appreciate exactly how hard your question would be to quantify.
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RE: Most efficient method of prey capture
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by nietzsche on March 2, 2010
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Thank you. Given comparable snake and prey size, are there any noted differences in feeding frequency of constrictors vs. venomous snakes?
Kelly
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RE: Most efficient method of prey capture
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by Cro on March 2, 2010
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Kelly, constrictors and venomous snakes can not really be compared that way. There are thousands of different venomous snakes in the world and thousands of constrictors in the world. You really can not answer the question based just on comparable snake and prey size.
The reason is the metabolism and hunting technique of the different types of snakes.
You have some venomous snakes that sit and wait for days for a prey item to come down a game trail. And you have some venomous snakes that actively hunt down prey.
And you have some constrictors that hunt by sitting and waiting, and you have others that have higher metabolic rates, and actively hunt prey items.
In most cases, if the snakes are hungry, and food is available, they will eat. The larger the meal, the longer time it will take for the meal to be digested.
And, the higher the metabolism of the individual snake, the quicker it will be hungry again.
Best Regards
John Z
Kelly
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RE: Most efficient method of prey capture
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by nietzsche on March 2, 2010
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Got it. Thank you for the help with the distinction. I guess I wanted to compare apples and oranges!
Kelly
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RE: Most efficient method of prey capture
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by AquaHerp on March 2, 2010
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As was touched on before; it would depend upon the species of snake. An ambush predator like a gaboon expends very little energy compared to the hunting snakes like say a mamba or cobra.
When one considers that snakes eat very seldom compared to say a large cat, it pretty much makes them among the least violent of all predators.
DH
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