Chemical cues used by prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) to follow trails of rodent prey

Each of 10 prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) was exposed to three types of trails after striking rodent prey (Mus musculus). One trail was made with mouse urine, another was made with tap water, and the third consisted of materials from mouse integument. The snakes exhibited trailing behavior...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of chemical ecology 1990, Vol.16 (1), p.79-86
Main Authors: CHISZAR, D, MELCER, T, LEE, R, RADCLIFFE, C. W, DUVALL, D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Amphibia and reptilia
Animal ethology
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Mus musculus
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Vertebrata
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Summary:Each of 10 prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) was exposed to three types of trails after striking rodent prey (Mus musculus). One trail was made with mouse urine, another was made with tap water, and the third consisted of materials from mouse integument. The snakes exhibited trailing behavior only when integumentary trails were available. It was concluded that prairie rattlesnakes do not utilize urinary cues; instead they attend to materials associated with rodent skin and fur.
ISSN:0098-0331
1573-1561
DOI:10.1007/BF01021269