The defensive strike of five species of lanceheads of the genus Bothrops (Viperidae).
Braz J Biol
; 67(2): 327-32, 2007 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17876444
We studied the defensive strike of one species of each of five recognized lineages within the genus Bothrops, namely, B. alternatus, B. jararaca, B. jararacussu, B. moojeni and B. pauloensis. The defensive strike of the studied species was in general similar to that of Crotalus viridis and C. atrox, but some important differences were observed. Bothrops alternatus and B. pauloensis struck preferentially from a tight body posture, whereas B. jararaca and B. moojeni from a loose body posture. Defensive strikes were either true or false (during the latter, the mouth remains closed or partially open). Almost all strikes were successful; only on a few occasions snakes missed their target (flawed strikes). Strike variables were very conservative among the five species, especially strike distance and height, and one possible explanation may be related to constraints imposed on strike variables as a way of increasing strike accuracy.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Bothrops
/
Reação de Fuga
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Braz J Biol
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA
Ano de publicação:
2007
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil
País de publicação:
Brasil