Avian deception using an elaborate caudal lure in Pseudocerastes urarachnoides (Serpentes: Viperidae)

Author:

Fathinia Behzad123,Rastegar-Pouyani Nasrullah23,Rastegar-Pouyani Eskandar34,Todehdehghan Fatemeh5,Amiri Fathollah6

Affiliation:

1. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Yasouj University 75914, Yasouj, Iran

2. Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University 6714967346, Kermanshah, Iran

3. Iranian Plateau Herpetology Research Group (IPHRG), Faculty of Science, Razi University 6714967346, Kermanshah, Iran

4. Department of Biology, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar, Iran

5. Department of Venomous Animals and Antivenin Production, Razi Vaccine & Serum Research Institute, Karaj, Iran

6. Wildlife Institute Pictures, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Pseudocerastes urarachnoides is a fascinating viper and as yet has been reported only in western Iran. An elaborated arachnid-like caudal structure is a unique feature of this viper, hence gives it the common name “Iranian spider-tailed viper”. During tail wagging, the structure is reminiscent of a moving spider. Tail movements are used for two different purposes in snakes: defense via tail vibration and hunting via both caudal luring and caudal distraction. Caudal luring in snakes is the wriggling or wagging of the posterior part of tail, in the presence of a potential prey, with conspicuous color pattern while the rest of body is cryptically colored. Previous studies have speculated on the role of caudal structure of P. urarachnoides in hunting. Our 2.5-year study has revealed that development of the structure of the caudal lure is commenced after birth and is linearly correlated to snout-vent length. The caudal lure attracts some species of birds. Caudal luring behavior is carried out both in the presence and absence of birds. The findings are reported for the first time and confirmed by direct observation of undisturbed individuals in the field.

Publisher

Brill

Subject

Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics

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