Bemerkung zum Prädator-Abwehrverhalten einer Berg-Strumpfbandnatter Thamnophis elegans (Squamata, Colubridae)

Bemerkung zum Prädator-Abwehrverhalten einer Berg-Strumpfbandnatter Thamnophis elegans (Squamata, Colubridae)

Philipp Berg

Zusammenfassung: “Fressen oder gefressen werden” – dieses Motto veranschaulicht die Bedeutung von Prädation beziehungsweise erfolgreichem Abwehrverhalten gegenüber Beutegreifern (Prädatoren). In diesem Beitrag wird das abwehrende und ablenkende Verhalten einer Strumpfbandnatter (Thamnophis elegans) gegen die Attacken durch ein arteigenes Tier im Terrarium geschildert. Dabei wurde der Kopf abgeduckt und ruhig gehalten, der Schwanz aufgerichtet und vollführte wellenartige Bewegungen, die alle Aufmerksamkeit auf sich zogen. Im Weiteren wird die Frage aufgeworfen, ob der Einfluss von Terrarienbedingungen und die Nähe zu potentiellen Futterneidern eine Modifikation des Prädator-Abwehrverhaltens in Richtung eines Ablenkverhaltens bei der Nahrungsaufnahme bedingen könnte.

Abstract: ‘Eating or being eaten’ – predation and antipredator behaviour are key elements in the life of any animal. This article describes the defensive behaviour of a garter snake (Thamnophis elegans) against an intraspecific attack in captivity. The snake’s head was kept flat and motionless while the tail was elevated and moved in a wave-like fashion. In addition, the article mentions the possibility that the captive environment may modify the antipredator behaviour in a way that it acquires a distractive effect on food competitors.

Citation: Berg, P. (2014): Bemerkung zum Prädator-Abwehrverhalten einer Berg-Strumpfbandnatter Thamnophis elegans (Squamata, Colubridae). – Ophidia 8(1): 15-22. PDF (341kB)

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