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venomous snakes that play dead
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by nietzsche on September 23, 2010
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Hi,
Does anyone know if there are venomous snakes other than elapids that play dead? Are there any studies on how effective this is against different types of predators? I'm just wondering about the range of defensive displays in venomous snakes prior to striking and biting, and if its only used selectively.
Thanks,
Kelly
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RE: venomous snakes that play dead
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by agkistrodude on September 23, 2010
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I don't know of any studies, but once I was reaching in a cage to remove a "dead" rattlesnake that was just lying there in the cage on it's back. For some reason,(common sense maybe?) at the last second, I decided to use a hook instead. As soon as the hook touched it, it sprung to life real quick. Lesson learned. Take care, Marty
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RE: venomous snakes that play dead
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by xvenomx on September 24, 2010
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I have not witnessed any rattlesnakes playing dead, but I have seen gila monsters sleeping on their backs,arms & legs sprawled out. They appeared dead.
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RE: venomous snakes that play dead
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by Mofugly on September 24, 2010
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I encountered a C molossus that "froze" in mid crawl. Not really playing dead, but it didn't breathe or tongue flick for a few minutes while I observed. It definitely knew I was there because I saw it move momentarily before it stopped. Neat thing to witness.
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RE: venomous snakes that play dead
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by CanadianSnakeMan on September 24, 2010
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The hognose (Heterodon) mimics death but then again, its venom is also not nearly as potent as other species.
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RE: venomous snakes that play dead
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by nietzsche on September 24, 2010
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Thanks. Very interesting about the rattelsnakes and gila monsters. Its a shame that there isn't more in depth study of deffensive behavior going on. It seems like having an idea of frequency of this behavior and it's effectiveness would provide quite a bit of information about how snakes manage their venom supply.
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RE: venomous snakes that play dead
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by agkistrodude on September 24, 2010
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To be honest with you, the rattlesnake in my above post was completely on its back, but I don't think it was playing dead. It had no reason to, as nothing was going on in the cage or the room, and it was a LTC. That is how I found it when I entered the room. I really think it may have just been sleeping. Take care, Marty
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by FSB on September 28, 2010
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Maybe he was just tired of lying on his belly all the time and was trying something different. :)
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by SwampY on October 8, 2010
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Quick question for Marty: That snake wasn't by chance gravid at the time was it? I have heard some anecdotal evidence from time to time about gravid females laying on their sides or belly up occasionally.
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