Estimating prey size and number in crayfish-eating snakes, genus Regina
Herpetologica
By: J.S. Godley, R.W. McDiarmid, and N.N. Rojas
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Abstract
Snakes of the genus Regina feed almost exclusively on crayfish. The paired, symmetrical gastroliths of crayfish are not digested and are detectable from x-rays of the snake. Gastrolith length is directly proportional to carapace length and can be obtained from x-rays. Carapace length can be converted to kcal of ingested energy. Using these relationships and repeated captures of radio-telemetered Regina, estimates of food consumption and energy intake by freeliving snakes are feasible. New information on prey selectivity, feeding behavior, and predator-prey size relations in Regina grahami and R. septemvittata are presented and compared with similar data for other snakes.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Estimating prey size and number in crayfish-eating snakes, genus Regina |
| Series title | Herpetologica |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1984 |
| Language | English |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 82-88 |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Herpetologica |
| First page | 82 |
| Last page | 88 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |