User Controls

What do you think is beyond the universe?

  1. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Prey Capture Behavior in Nine Species of Venomous Snakes
    Article
    Sep 1986The Psychological record
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeThomas ByersRebecca Stoops
    Prey capture was studied in nine species of venomous snakes. Rodent-specializing rattlesnakes (Crotalus adamanteus, C. enyo, C. ruber, and C. viridis) usually delivered a single envenomating strike when mice wandered into range. The rodent was typically released immediately after the strike and was allowed to wander freely while venom took effect. liserd-eating rattlesnakes (C. lepidus and C. pricei) also attacked mice, but these snakes delivered multiple strikes during predatory episodes. Cobras (Naja mossambica pallida) delivered multiple strikes and they tended to hold rodents in their jaws after each strike, releasing the.prey only when it exhibited retaliatory biting. These interspecific differences were interpreted as reflecting systematic variation in predatory tactics exhibited by these species in their respective natural environments.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Observations on Pedal Luring and Pedal Movements in Leptodactylid Frogs
    Article
    Aug 1986Journal of Herpetology
    Charles W. RadcliffeDavid ChiszarKaren Estep[...]Hobart M. Smith
    Responses interpreted as luring were seen in six specimens of Ceratophrys ornata. Both hind feet were often involved simultaneously and were held in a vertical position so that the toes were visible over the frog's rear when viewed frontally. The frogs were offered various prey items in sight but out of reach, and predatory responses were recorded for a ten-minute period. Putative luring responses were more frequently emitted to anuran and liserd prey than to cricket or rodent prey, and responses of Ceratophrys differed from those of other leptodactylid predators. Odontophrynus and Caudiverbera did not exhibit luring responses, but their pedal movements suggested that displacement behaviors suitable for elaboration into the display of Ceratophrys might be widespread.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Trailing Behavior in Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus)
    Article
    May 1986Journal of Herpetology
    David ChiszarCharles RadcliffeRhonda Boyd[...]Frederic Feiler
    Upon releasing prey such as large rodents, cottonmouths exhibit strike-induced chemosensory searching, with a sustained, high rate of tongue flicking. Cottonmouths are able to detect the trail or the prey behind a rock (approx 150cm away) even when no strike has occurred.-P.J.Jarvis
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Stimulus control of predatory behaviour in red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida) and prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis)
    Article
    May 1986Animal Behaviour
    Charles W. RadcliffeKaren EstepThomas BoyerDavid Chiszar
    Two experiments examined the responses of red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida) to stimulus properties of rodent prey. In experiment 1 cobras exhibited elevated rates of tongue flicking (RTF) and trail-following behaviour after striking mice and after 15-s presentations of visual-chemical-thermal cues arising from mice held just out of striking range. Disturbance with a clean snake hook did not produce similar effects. In experiment 2 these cobras were compared with prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis). All snakes were exposed to five stimulus conditions in their home cages: (1) 3 s of disturbance (D) with a clean snake hook; (2) 15 s of D; (3) 3 s inspection of a live mouse held out of striking range (NS); (4) 15 s of NS; and (5) a presentation of a live mouse inside striking range (S). The snakes always struck in the latter condition, usually within 3 s. Rattlesnakes exhibited elevated RTF only after S, whereas cobras did so after 15 s of both NS and S. The performance of rattlesnakes was consistent with the assumption that these animals are ambushers; that of cobras was consistent with the assumption that these animals are active hunters which will chase and catch visually detected prey.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Effects of Prey Size on Poststrike Behavior of Juvenile Red Spitting Cobras (Naja mossambica pallida)
    Article
    Dec 1983Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science
    Charles W. RadcliffeKathryn StimacHobart M. SmithDavid Chiszar
    Juvenile red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida) held small neonatal mice (Mus musculus, 1.8-2.0 g) after striking but released larger mice (5.5-8.0 g). These results agree with data on viperids and suggest that N. m. pallida and perhaps other elapids will be found to exhibit strike-induced chemosensory searching and prey trailing behavior when relatively large rodents are attacked.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Strike-Induced Chemosensory Searching by Rattlesnakes: The Role of Envenomation-Related Chemical Cues in the Post-Strike Environment
    Chapter
    Dec 1982
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeKent M. ScudderDavid Duvall
    Rattlesnakes and many other viperids typically strike and release adult rodent prey (Gans, 1966; O’Connell et al., 1982; Radcliffe et al., 1980), allowing the envenomated rodent to wander up to 600 cm before succumbing to the venom (Estep et al., 1981). The snakes then follow the chemical trail left by the envenomated prey. Although this predatory strategy risks losing the prey, it avoids tissue damage that could result from rodent teeth and claws if the snake attempted to hold the struggling prey after the strike. Even some of the deadliest elapids exhibit this strategy when they prey upon rodents (Chiszar et al., under review; Radcliffe et al., 1982; Shine & Covacevich, 1982), indicating that rodents are formidable prey and that the strike-release-trail system probably appeared very early in the evolution of venomous snakes (see Marx & Rabb, 1965, for a discussion of viperid evolution).
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Trailing Behavior in Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis)
    Article
    Aug 1982Journal of Herpetology
    Lisa GolanCharles RadcliffeTracy Miller[...]David Chiszar
    Six rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis) were observed in four experimental conditions designed to assess ability to follow odoriferous mouse trails. If snakes had not struck mice just prior to being exposed to the trails, then no trailing behavior was observed, whereas trails were followed with precision if the snakes struck mice prior to the tests. Striking led to pronounced elevations in rate of tongue flicking, and the magnitude of this effect did not depend upon presence vs absence of mouse trails in the post-strike environment. However, when a trail was present, the high rate of tongue flicking facilitated locating the trail and following it to the mouse carcass positioned at its end. Once a trail was located, the snake confined its head to within 2 cm of the odoriferous cues, and 75% of the tongue flicks were directed to the trail.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Strike-induced chemosensory searching in Old World vipers and New World pit vipers
    Article
    Full-text available
    May 1982Learning & Behavior
    David ChiszarClaes AndrénGöran Nilson[...]Charles W. Radcliffe
    It is known that striking rodent prey induces a sustained, high rate of tongue flicking in rattlesnakes. The present study shows this phenomenon (called strike-induced chemosensory searching, SICS) to occur in species of rattlesnakes not previously investigated and in two species ofAgkistrodon. SICS occurs in Old World vipers (Eristocophis, Vipera, Bitis), including species which normally hold their prey after striking. A hypothesis is offered which (1) accounts for the occurrence of SICS in these latter species and (2) suggests that SICS in some viperids may have arisen through paedomorphic evolution. More generally, it is concluded that SICS is probably a homologous trait in vipers and pit vipers and that the trait may have first appeared in elapid ancestors of the viperidae.
    Download full-text
    Cite
    Publication Preview
    Source
    Analysis of the behavioral sequence emitted by rattlesnakes during feeding episodes II. Duration of strike-induced chemosensory searching in rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis, C. enyo)
    Article
    Mar 1982Behavioral and Neural Biology
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeBarbara O'ConnellHobart M. Smith
    Eight rattlesnakes (four Crotalus viridis and four C. enyo) were each observed in four experimental conditions: (1) snakes saw, smelled, and detected thermal cues arising from live mice for 3 sec but were not given an opportunity to deliver a predatory strike (the mice were then removed); (2) same as Condition 1, but a strike was permitted at the end of 3 sec (the mice were then removed); (3) same as Condition 2, but the envenomated, dead mice were left in the snakes' cages so that ingestion occurred; and (4) same as Condition 3, except that a second mouse was introduced (as in Condition 2) after the first was consumed. The dependent variable was the rate of tongue flicking (RTF) which was recorded for 315 min, beginning 5 min prior to each condition. A high RTF followed each predatory strike, but not the no-strike mouse presentation of Condition 1. In Condition 2, snakes continued searching for the envenomated mice for 150 min poststrike. Ingestion terminated the high RTF in Condition 3, but a second strike reinitiated high RTF in Condition 4. In the latter condition, snakes continued chemosensory searching for 105 min after the second strike. In Conditions 2 and 4, snakes remained attentive even after they quit chemosensory searching because a 3-sec, no-strike presentation of a live mouse (presented at least 120 min after RTF had returned to baseline) resulted in a reinitiation of tongue flicking. This did not happen after Conditions 1 and 3. Implications of these data for mechanisms mediating strike-induced chemosensory searching are discussed.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Effects of Chemical and Visual Stimuli upon Chemosensory Searching by Garter Snakes and Rattlesnakes
    Article
    Oct 1981Journal of Herpetology
    David ChiszarShannon V. TaylorCharles W. Radcliffe[...]Barbara O'Connell
    Many studies indicate that chemical cues activate garter snake feeding behavior whereas visual and/or thermal stimuli do so for rattlesnakes. However, no experiments have factorially combined chemical and visual cues for either of these taxa. The present work explored possible interactive effects of these stimuli on rate of tongue flicking (RTF) in garter snakes (Thamnophis radix haydeni) and rattlesnakes (Crotalus e. enyo, C. v. viridis, and Sistrurus catenatus tergeminus). In Experiments 1 and 2 snakes were exposed to four conditions representing an orthogonal combination of presence vs. absence of visual and chemical stimuli arising from prey. RTF was recorded for 5 min under each condition. Garter snakes exhibited a significant elevation in RTF in the presence of chemical cues whether or not visual cues were present. There was also an effect of visual cues but no interaction between visual and chemical cues. Rattlesnakes did not respond to chemical cues; these snakes showed only an effect of visual cues. In Experiment 3, rattlesnakes were again observed as above, with the exception that test sessions were of 10 min duration. Behavior during the first 5 min was identical to that seen in Experiment 2, but during min 6-10 the snakes responded more in the condition containing visual plus chemical cues than in any other condition. Visual stimuli alerted rattlesnakes to the presence of potential prey and gave rise to elevated RTF which subsequently allowed these predators to utilize chemical cues that happened to be available. Hence, garter snakes and rattlesnakes use both chemical and visual information but differ in the sequence in which these stimuli are used.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Strike-Induced Chemosensory Searching in Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Viridis) as a Function of Disturbance Prior to Presentation of Rodent Prey
    Article
    Dec 1980The Psychological record
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeBarbara O'ConnellHobart M. Smith
    Reports that 6 prairie rattlesnakes ( C. viridis) exhibited higher rates of tongue flickering after striking and envenomating a mouse than after seeing, smelling, or detecting the warmth of a mouse. Thus, chemosensory searching subserved by the vomeronasal system was activated consequent to the delivery of a successful predatory strike. This effect was not observed when Ss were disturbed just prior to being exposed to mice. The same kinds of disturbance did not interfere with strike-induced chemosensory searching in specimens of Crotalus (C.) enyo, which are characteristically less likely than C. viridis to exhibit ritualized defensive patterns (RDPs) consequent to disturbance. Thus, for C. enyo the predatory reaction chain appears to be immune or closed to at least some disturbing influences and runs to completion once initiated by a strike. For C. viridis, on the other hand, the chain is vulnerable to interference, probably because cues which elicit RDPs receive attentional priority. (17 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Source
    Strike-Induced Chemosensory Searching in Rattlesnakes (Crotalus enyo) as a Function of Disturbance Prior to Presentation of Prey
    Article
    Nov 1980Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeBarbara O'ConnellHobart M. Smith
    Rattlesnakes (Crotalus enyo) exhibited higher rates of tongue flicking after striking and envenomating a mouse than after seeing, smelling, or detecting the warmth of a mouse. Thus, chemosensory searching subserved by the vomeronasal system is activated consequent to the delivery of a successful predatory strike. Furthermore, this effect was observed even when the rattlesnakes were disturbed (by handling or transportation to a new environment) just prior to being exposed to mice. Hence, activation of chemosensory searching by a predatory strike appears to be an unconditional or obligate response in C. enyo; at the very least we conclude that the response is unaltered by defensive reactions induced by handling. This, in turn, suggests that predatory behavior in C. enyo is a closed response chain such that release of the first element (striking) strongly predisposes the snake to engage in the next element (chemosensory searching) which brings the snake into contact with its dead prey so that cues arising from it can release swallowing. Once the chain is activated it goes to completion, and the only "choice point" is at the first step (i.e., the snake may "decide" whether or not to strike a mouse, but once a strike has been made the snake appears to be obligated to execute the rest of the chain).
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Effects of prey size on poststrike behavior in rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus, C. enyo, and C. viridis)
    Article
    Nov 1980Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    Charles W. RadcliffeDavid ChiszarBarbara O'Connell
    Rattlesnakes of three taxa (Crotalus durissus, C. enyo, and C. viridis) struck and released large rodent prey but held smaller rodents in their jaws after striking. The specimens of C. enyo were clearest in this regard; almost all large prey were released, and all small prey were held. This finding is consistent with the fact that large rodents are more dangerous to rattlesnakes than are small rodents. Accordingly, it appears that rattlesnakes have evolved differential predatory strategies for dealing with prey of varying size. Speculation is offered about the manner in which these respective strategies are activated or selected during predatory episodes.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    A Descriptive Analysis of Predatory Behavior in the Yellow Lipped Sea Krait (Laticauda colubrina)
    Article
    Oct 1980Journal of Herpetology
    Charles W. RadcliffeDavid A. Chiszar
    This sea krait remains inactive following a strike on an eel, presumably to remain near the envenomed eel's burrow.-P.J.Jarvis
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Simultaneous and successive discriminations between envenomated and nonenvenomated mice by rattlesnakes (Crotalus durissus and C. viridis)
    Article
    Aug 1980Behavioral and Neural Biology
    David ChiszarDavid DuvallKent ScudderCharles W. Radcliffe
    Rattlesnakes of two species (Crotalus durissus and C. viridis) discriminated between envenomated and nonenvenomated mice when the two kinds of mice were presented in simultaneous discrimination tests. The snakes spent more time investigating the former mouse, and they selected it more frequently than the latter. The present study showed that the ability of these rattlesnakes to make this discrimination did not change when the two stimulus items were presented successively (1 week apart). Accordingly, the discrimination is not based on a contrast effect requiring direct comparison of the two stimulus mice. It is proposed that rattlesnakes possess an internal representation of an envenomated mouse which guides searching and choice behavior.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Rate of Tongue Flicking by Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) during Prolonged Exposure to Various Food Odors, and Strike-Induced Chemosensory Searching by the Cantil (Agkistrodon bilineatus)
    Article
    Dec 1978Transactions of the Kansas Academy of Science
    David ChiszarLorna SimonsenCharles RadcliffeHobart M. Smith
    Experiment I showed that cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) explored a clean novel environment with a higher tongue flick rate than can be attributed to the effects of handling which attend transportation to the novel environment. Furthermore, exploration of the novel environment was accentuated if it contained odors derived from fish mucus but not if it contained mouse odors. Experiment II showed that high rates of tongue flicking are emitted by cantils (Agkistrodon bilineatus) after striking rodent prey. We conclude that fish odors are capable of directly activating chemosensory searching in Agkistrodon but that mouse odors only do so when they are perceived in the course of striking. Fish odors may be more salient to these snakes than mouse odors. 1979.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Preference for envenomated rodent prey by rattlesnakes
    Article
    Dec 1977Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    David DuvallDavid ChiszarJeanne TrupianoCharles W. Radcliffe
    Adult specimens of several rattlesnake species which struck and envenomated a mouse or that did not have an opportunity to strike were allowed to choose between an envenomated mouse and a mouse manually killed by the experimenter. Only rattlesnakes that struck a mouse made a choice, and the envenomated mouse was selected most frequently. Odor cues emanating from the envenomated mouse and/or remembrance of taste or odor cues briefly experienced during the strike probably mediated eventual selection of the envenomated mouse, and may represent important components of the stimulus configuration releasing swallowing once dead prey are located. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
    Cite
    Request full-text
  2. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Publication Preview
    Analysis of the behavioral sequence emitted by rattlesnakes during feeding episodes. I. Striking and chemosensory searching
    Article
    Oct 1977Behavioral Biology
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeKent M. Scudder
    Rattlesnakes exhibited an elevated rate of tongue flicking after striking a mouse. This chemosensory searching process probably aids the snake in locating its dead or dying prey when movement cues are no longer produced. Seeing, smelling, and detecting thermal cues arising from a live mouse were not sufficient to produce the increase in the tongue-flick rate; the mouse must be struck. After striking a mouse, rattlesnakes also showed some degree of inhibition against striking a second mouse for as long as 20 min. Hence, “switching on” the chemosensory searching process involves “switching off” (at least partially) the striking system.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Source
    Absence of prey-chemical preferences in newborn rattlesnakes (Crotalus cerastes, C. enyo, and C. viridis)
    Article
    Sep 1977Behavioral Biology
    David ChiszarCharles W. Radcliffe
    Cotton swabs soaked in water or in extracts of surface substances from two prey organisms (liserd, mouse) and five nonprey organisms (cricket, garter snake, fish, salamander, worm) were presented for 60 sec to 17 ingestively naive neonatal rattlesnakes (six Crotalus cerastes, five C. enyo, and six C. viridis). No rattlesnake struck any cotton swab. Mean tongue flick rate was not significantly greater when prey odors were presented than when control swabs or nonprey odors were presented. Additional tests were conducted with small skin patches from two prey and two nonprey organisms (liserd, mouse, cricket, fish). Six C. cerastes did not strike any of these items, and the mean rates of tongue flicking emitted to the four skin patches did not differ significantly.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Rate of tongue flicking by rattlesnakes during successive stages of feeding on rodent prey
    Article
    Apr 1976Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    David ChiszarCharles W. Radcliffe
    Two specimens of each of 3 species of rattlesnakes ( Crotalus enyo enyo, C. durissus culminatus, and Crotalus vegrandis) exhibited no tongue flicking prior to striking live mice during a regular feeding session. All Ss flicked their tongues at high rates (more than 20 flicks/min) between striking and commencement of swallowing. Also, frequent tongue flicking (10 to 15 flicks/min) was seen for about 15 min after swallowing. Data indicate that well-acclimated, captive rattlesnakes do not rely on the Jacobson's organ to detect prey or to guide predatory attack, but that they do use this sensory system to locate prey after striking. Since an envenomated rodent may wander several meters prior to dying, Jacobson's organ may be very important in finding such prey. It is also of interest that renewed tongue flicking occurs after swallowing. A hypothesis is offered concerning the role of the latter behavior. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
    Cite
  3. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    And yes, we DID PLAY GOD in modifying the Tibetan Mastiffs!!
  4. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Oh, and DO NOT confuse my buddy with the lacky from the UK.

    My buddy claims that man would not know his head from his rectum if the 2 were not attached to his torso.

    He thinks the recent UK Science accomplishments are about as equal to blowing your nose into a butt wiped used wadded up toilet paper and then getting a standing ovation for it!!
  5. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    When I ran into him at a Science Convention, he had 175 Rattlesnakes living in his basement. After his work was done with them he grew bored and asked if I would help him restore the Tibetan Mastiffs. Today, at age 86, he is now restoring a Brazilian fish that the Species itself is thought to be around a million years old!!
  6. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Tibetan Mastiff of Timberline located in Colorado provides information about the Tibetan ... Timberline Tibetan Mastiffs are located in Colorado Charles Radcliffe
  7. Speedy Parker Black Hole [my absentmindedly lachrymatory gazania]
    Originally posted by iam_asiam68 I have permission to quote this:

    This is from my buddy who together we did select temperance, size, color, head size, walking, running when he asked me to help him with breeding Tibetan Mastiffs. He is a well known zoologist/Scientist who now lives in Denver, Colorado. This is his 32 years of work on RattleSnakes, BullSnakes, Spitting Cobra, Viper, and few other Snake Species.


    Charles W. Radcliffe's research while affiliated with San Diego Zoo and other places

    Overview

    Publications (37)
    Publication Preview
    Use of the vomeronasal system during predatory episodes by bull snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus)
    Article
    Sep 2013Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeKent Scudder
    Four bull snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) exhibited a higher rate of tongue flicking after constricting mice than after seeing and/or smelling mice for an equivalent length of time. Accordingly, it was concluded that the act of constriction potentiates chemosensory investigation mediated by the vomeronasal system. A comparably high rate of tongue flicking was also observed after the snakes swallowed a mouse. Since constriction and swallowing both involve grasping prey with the mouth but differ greatly in body postures, it is sug–gested that oral contact with prey (which stimulates the vomeronasal chemoreceptors) is the causative factor in the activation of chemosensory investigation.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Distance traveled by mice after envenomation by a rattlesnake (C. viridis)
    Article
    Aug 2013Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    Karen EstepThomas PooleCharles W. Radcliffe[…]David Chiszar
    Adult mice (Mus musculus, C3H) envenomated by adult prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) traveled an average of 185.6 cm in an open field prior to becoming immobilized (78 sec). The range of distances traveled by the 20 envenomated mice in this study was 0-676.5 cm. These distances give an indication of the extent of the trailing task that confronts a prairie rattlesnake under natural conditions. Hence, laboratory studies of trailing behavior in rattle-snakes should use trails of at least 180-200 cm if results are to have ecological validity. Of course, data from additional strains of rodents envenomated by additional species of rattlesnakes should be accumulated in order to supplement the information provided here.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Cover-seeking behavior and ecdysis in red-spitting cobras (Naja pallida)
    Article
    Aug 2013Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    David ChiszarHobart M. SmithCharles W. RadcliffeJohn L. Behler
    During a study of cover-seeking behavior in red-spitting cobras (Naja pallida, N = 11), all but one of the snakes shed. We conducted a post hoc analysis that examined changes in cover-seeking prior to and after shedding, with the result that significant increases in cover-seeking were seen as early as 8 days prior to ecdysis. This corresponds to the time at which the earliest morphological signs of impending ecdysis make their appearance but is well before the time when visual and lingual sensory disruptions should be maximal. Accordingly, we suggest that cover-seeking is not elicited by the sensory disruptions of ecdysis, but that it anticipates them.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Bushmaster (Lachesis muta) predatory behavior at Dallas Zoo and San Diego Zoo
    Article
    Apr 2013Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    David ChiszarJames B. MurphyCharles W. RadcliffeHobart M. Smith
    Bushmasters (Lachesis muta) that were observed during feeding episodes occasionally released rodents after the predatory strike. For one such episode, we report the presence of a sustained, high rate of tongue-flicking that lasted 136 min. In this paper, we also present photographs showing skin folds that cover the snake’s pits and eyes when a rodent prey was being held following the predatory strike. We suggest that L. muta may occasionally exhibit strike-induced chemosensory searching and trail-following when large (but ingestible) prey are encountered.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Immobilization of mice following envenomation by cobras (Naja mossambica pallida)
    Article
    Feb 2013Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    Charles W. RadcliffeThomas PooleFrederic Feiler[…]David Chiszar
    Mice (Mus musculus, average weight = 20.8 g), envenomated by red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida), were immobilized significantly sooner if the cobra delivered multiple strikes (3) than if it delivered only a single strike. Many viperid snakes (e.g., rattlesnakes) strike only once per predatory episode, whereas elapids (e.g., cobras) typically strike two to three times. The present study indicates that the number of strikes delivered by cobras is correlated positively with the severity of envenomation and inversely with the probability of losing potential rodent prey. Poststrike behavior of red spitting cobras is discussed, and is compared with that of rattlesnakes.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Prey recognition learning by red spitting cobras, Naja mossambica pallida
    Article
    Feb 2013Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    Kathryn StimacCharles W. RadcliffeDavid Chiszar
    Eleven ingestively inexperienced red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida; 4 weeks old) failed to respond to food items (neonatal mice, Mus musculus, and live liserds, Sceloporus undulatus). Live prey were inside clean plastic boxes that were placed into snake cages for 5 min. Rate of tongue flicking and number of biting attacks were recorded. The cobras were then offered neonatal mice (but not liserds), and gradually, these prey were accepted. By the end of the 5th week, all snakes had eaten at least one mouse. From this time until the snakes were 10 months old, mice were offered once each week, and most snakes ate each week. Prey recognition tests were conducted again (at 10 months), and the snakes responded to mice but not to liserds (Anolis carolinenesis). It is concluded that increased response to mice between the 1-month and 10-month tests was not based on increased predatory motivation and/or acclimation to the laboratory, because these factors should also produce increased response to liserds. Accordingly, it seems probable that experience with mice resulted in the acquisition of stimulus control by mouse-derived cues over snake predatory behavior (i.e., prey recognition learning).
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Duration of strike-induced chemosensory searching in cottonmouths ( Agkistrodon piscivorus) and test of the hypothesis that striking prey creates a specific search image.
    Article
    Feb 2011Canadian Journal of Zoology
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeRoy Overstreet[…]Thomas Byers
    Cottonmouths (Agkistrodon piscivorus) emitted significantly more tongue flicks after striking rodent prey than after seeing, smelling, and (or) detecting thermal cues from rodent prey. This strike-induced chemosensory searching (SICS) persisted for about 70 min. Prey-derived molecules acquired during the strike would not be expected to remain available to the vomeronasal organs for more than 10 min. Hence, the duration of SICS suggests (i) that a central nervous system (CNS) representation of prey is formed as a consequence of the strike and (ii) that this representation or search image has memorylike properties and remains available to guide searching behavior for a longer time than would be expected on the basis of poststrike residuation of chemically induced afference in the vomeronasal system. In experiment II, cottonmouths struck either rodent or fish prey (which were removed immediately after the strike) and 10 min later the snakes were allowed to ingest either a fish or a mouse. When the prey offered for ingestion was the same type as the prey struck, snakes grasped their prey quickly, whereas, in all other conditions, only a few snakes responded quickly and others did so after much longer latencies. It is proposed that CNS representations of fish and mice have some nonoverlapping features and that a disposition to grasp the type of prey that was initially struck endures until these prey-specific features have degraded (presumably through the ordinary process of forgetting).
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Strike Induced Chemosensory Searching in Cobras: (Naja naja kaouthia, N. mossambica pallida)
    Article
    Apr 2010Ethology
    David ChiszarKathryn StimacThomas Poole[…]Hobart M. Smith
    Predatory behavior was studied in 11 juvenile red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida) and in subadult monocled cobras (N. n. kaouthia). Both taxa usually struck and released mice (Mus musculus) that were greater than 15 g, whereas neonatal mice were usually held following the strike. Large mice lived for 300–600 s after envenomation and were able to wander away from the site of attack. Snakes located the carcasses through searching behaviors which seemed to utilize chemical and visual cues arising from prey. Both taxa exhibited larger increases in rate of tongue flicking after striking (and releasing) mice than after seeing, smelling, and/or detecting thermal cues arising from mice. Strike-induced chemosensory searching (SICS) in these elapids was similar to behaviors previously described in many viperid species which have specialized on rodent prey. Although adult cobras may abandon the strike-release-trail strategy in favor of holding rodent prey after the strike, the behavior of the present juveniles and subadults was consistent with speculation that SICS is analogous in the Viperidae and the Elapidae.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Behavioural consequences of husbandry manipulations: indicators of arousal, quiescence and environmental awareness
    Article
    Dec 1994
    David ChiszarW. Thomas TomlinsonHobart M. Smith[…]Charles W. Radcliffe
    Research to be described in this chapter was initiated by Conant (1971) when he called attention to the fact that cage-cleaning had arousing effects on numerous species of vertebrates at Philadelphia Zoo. His 1971 article focused exclusively on amphibians and reptiles, but his earliest experience along these lines was with mammals, as related in the following personal communication (1990) reproduced here by permission.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Zoo and Laboratory Experiments on the Behavior of Snakes: Assessments of Competence in Captive-Raised Animals
    Article
    Mar 1993Integrative and Comparative Biology
    DAVID CHISZARHOBART M. SMITHCHARLES W. RADCLIFFE
    SYNOPSIS. Specific experiments on rattlesnake predatory behavior are described. Specimens of taxa bred in zoos are shown to behave qualitatively like wild-caught congeners, suggesting that the captive-bred animals have the skill necessary to hunt in natural habitats. Frequently, wildcaught conspecifics are unavailable for comparison with captive-raised individuals. Although this comparison is desirable, we must develop research strategies that can proceed without it. The qualitative analytical approach advocated here does this by relying heavily upon the natural history literature and on research with congeneric organisms to provide expectations (predictions) about the performance of captive-raised individuals. Advantages and disadvantages of this approach are discussed. We provide illustrations of its application to several predatory and antipredatory phenomena, and we list a variety of additional potential applications.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Caudal Luring in the Southern Death Adder, Acanthophis antarcticus
    Article
    Aug 1990Journal of Herpetology
    David ChiszarDonal BoyerRobert Lee[…]Charles W. Radcliffe
    In six experiments on captive death adders (Acanthophis antarcticus), caudal movements increased in frequency when prey were nearby, and liserds (Hydrosaurus pustolosus) were attracted to the moving tail. We conclude that caudal movements of A. antarcticus serve a luring function, although they may have other functions as well. Two types of predatory caudal movements occur in death adders, those that are stimulated by prey and those that are occasionally made by snakes when no prey have been detected. The latter are conceptualized as "probes" designed to attract prey that might be out of the snake's view but still able to see the lure.
    Cite
    Request full-text


    Field observations on feeding behavior in an Aruba Island Rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus unicolor): strike-induced chemosensory searching and trail following
    Article
    Full-text available
    Jun 1990Bulletin of the Psychonomic Society
    Matt GoodeCharles W. RadcliffeKaren EstepR. Andrew Odum
    Observed a free-ranging Aruba Island rattlesnake after striking rodent prey and after no-strike presentations. Strike-induced chemosensory searching and trail following were seen after strikes. When a chemical trail was not present following a strike, the S searched extensively near its refuge but never emerged from it. Results suggest that the S was committed to cover, being willing to leave it only when a payoff was reasonably assured by the presence of a prey trail. (PsycINFO Database Record © 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
    Download full-text
    Cite
    Publication Preview
    Source
    Chemical cues used by prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) to follow trails of rodent prey
    Article
    Feb 1990Journal of Chemical Ecology
    David ChiszarTed MelcerRobert Lee[…]David Duvall
    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.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    The Predatory Strike of the Jumping Viper (Porthidium nummifer)
    Article
    Dec 1989Copeia
    David ChiszarCharles W. Radcliffe
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Cover‐seeking behavior in red spitting cobras (Naja mossambica pallida): Effects of tactile cues and darkness
    Article
    Dec 1986Zoo Biology
    David ChiszarCharles W. RadcliffeThomas BoyerJohn L. Behler
    Eleven red spitting cobras, Naja mossambica pallida, used clear Plexiglas hiding boxes as frequently as they used dark ones in a successive discrimination paradigm (experiment 1), which indicated that thigmotaxic cues can satisfy the cover-seeking needs of the snakes. In simultaneous discrimination tests, however, dark places were always preferred by the snakes (experiments II, III). Therefore, although thigmotaxic cues are sufficient, these plus darkness constitute a more favorable alternative for N m pallida. The husbandry advantages associated with clear hiding boxes, together with their sufficiency for the snakes, argue strongly for their use in many captive environments.
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Trailing behavior in banded rock rattlesnakes (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) and prairie rattlesnakes (C. viridis viridis).
    Article
    Nov 1986Journal of Comparative Psychology
    David ChiszarCharles RadcliffeFrederic Feiler
    Two rattlesnake taxa were compared in a task requiring 12 banded rock rattlesnakes to follow rodent trails. All Ss were wild-caught adults and had been in captivity feeding exclusively on rodents for 2 yrs prior to the present study. Banded rock rattlesnakes are primarily liserd eaters in nature but readily accept rodent prey in captivity. Prairie rattlesnakes are rodent specialists. Snakes of both taxa strike from ambush and typically hold liserds following envenomation, whereas rodents are released and allowed to wander freely while venom takes effect. Rodent carcasses are then located through chemoreception. Results show that the taxa exhibited some similar responses in the rodent trailing task, but C. l. klauberi had scores significantly inferior to those of C. v. viridis on several dependent variables (percent of tongue flicks and time on trail). It is suggested that greater dependence of C. v. viridis on rodents has brought about more effective trailing behavior than is seen in C. l. klauberi. Although it is possible that genetic differences are responsible for these behavioral differences, an alternative argument on the basis of differential early ontogeny cannot be eliminated. (23 ref)
    Cite
    Request full-text
    Publication Preview
    Trailing behavior in banded rock rattlesnakes (Crotalus lepidus klauberi) and prairie rattlesnakes (C. viridis viridis)
    Article
    Nov 1986Journal of Comparative Psychology
    David ChiszarCharles RadcliffeFrederic Feiler
    Two rattlesnake taxa were compared in a task requiring 12 banded rock rattlesnakes to follow rodent trails. All Ss were wild-caught adults and had been in captivity feeding exclusively on rodents for 2 yrs prior to the present study. Banded rock rattlesnakes are primarily liserd eaters in nature but readily accept rodent prey in captivity. Prairie rattlesnakes are rodent specialists. Snakes of both taxa strike from ambush and typically hold liserds following envenomation, whereas rodents are released and allowed to wander freely while venom takes effect. Rodent carcasses are then located through chemoreception. Results show that the taxa exhibited some similar responses in the rodent trailing task, but C. l. klauberi had scores significantly inferior to those of C. v. viridis on several dependent variables (percent of tongue flicks and time on trail). It is suggested that greater dependence of C. v. viridis on rodents has brought about more effective trailing behavior than is seen in C. l. klauberi. Although it is possible that genetic differences are responsible for these behavioral differences, an alternative argument on the basis of differential early ontogeny cannot be eliminated. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record © 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
    Cite
    Request full-text

    Not reading this. Answer my question
  8. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Originally posted by Speedy Parker Not reading this. Answer my question



    According to his research, the Rattlesnake ONLY BREEDS with the same Species of Rattlesnake.
    Unlike humans, who cross breed by removing eggs and semen.
  9. Speedy Parker Black Hole [my absentmindedly lachrymatory gazania]
    Originally posted by iam_asiam68 According to his research, the Rattlesnake ONLY BREEDS with the same Species of Rattlesnake.
    Unlike humans, who cross breed by removing eggs and semen.

    Are you second guessing nature?
  10. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Originally posted by Speedy Parker Are you second guessing nature?



    How can you second guess nature when Species other than human live by the "Natural Laws of Natural Selection and Inherited Traits." They are genetically inherited to know which Species to breed with and which ones not to.
  11. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Probably if humans followed the same pattern as other Species, we would not have 1 out of every 3 babies born with some form of Psychological Disorder. But the fact humans breed with every race, makes humans genetically disposed to every gene only designed to be with the same race.
  12. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Scientific studies have proven the African American suffers more heart attacks and more likely to develop Diabetes. They have more chances to develop Diabetes than a 1,000 800 pound humans from other races. The J..e...w....s also have severe mental issues due to being too closely related. There are 3 sects of J..e...w...s but they breed within their own sect and incest has cause many Mental Disorders.
  13. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    So, if a healthy Caucasian genetically has children with an African American, that child now has the same genetic disposure that the African American has (heart attack and Diabetes).
  14. Speedy Parker Black Hole [my absentmindedly lachrymatory gazania]
    Originally posted by iam_asiam68 How can you second guess nature when Species other than human live by the "Natural Laws of Natural Selection and Inherited Traits." They are genetically inherited to know which Species to breed with and which ones not to.

    You speak of Natural laws and Natural selection yet don't understand that those are man made constructs that nature didn't write,
  15. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Originally posted by Speedy Parker You speak of Natural laws and Natural selection yet don't understand that those are man made constructs that nature didn't write,



    No, those terms are coined from years of observation. But I do agree that Science in itself is only about 2,000 years old. That really has not been long enough to make any affirmative claim towards any proposed Theory.
  16. Speedy Parker Black Hole [my absentmindedly lachrymatory gazania]
    Originally posted by iam_asiam68 No, those terms are coined from years of observation. But I do agree that Science in itself is only about 2,000 years old. That really has not been long enough to make any affirmative claim towards any proposed Theory.

    Terms coined means written by man not nature. Just as I stated. Im glad you agree.
  17. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Originally posted by Speedy Parker Terms coined means written by man not nature. Just as I stated. Im glad you agree.


    When Science makes a claim it makes me cringe. It's why I say most of them are insane. If we had actual notes from scientist 10 million years ago, then I would say, it's legit. But 2,000 years as an institution is not even long enough to grow a pimple on your butt from an infected hair!!
  18. -SpectraL coward [the spuriously bluish-lilac bushman]
    Scientists:

    Sugar is good for you
    Sugar is bad for you
    Sugar is good for you again
    Sugar is bad for you again
    Sugar is now good for you


    Global cooling is real ('70's)
    Global warming is real (2001)
    Global climate change is real (2013)
  19. Speedy Parker Black Hole [my absentmindedly lachrymatory gazania]
    Originally posted by iam_asiam68 When Science makes a claim it makes me cringe. It's why I say most of them are insane. If we had actual notes from scientist 10 million years ago, then I would say, it's legit. But 2,000 years as an institution is not even long enough to grow a pimple on your butt from an infected hair!!

    Especially considering that every 20 years or so science proves itself wrong.
  20. iam_asiam68 African Astronaut
    Originally posted by -SpectraL Scientists:

    Sugar is good for you
    Sugar is bad for you
    Sugar is good for you again
    Sugar is bad for you again
    Sugar is now good for you


    Global cooling is real ('70's)
    Global warming is real (2001)
    Global climate change is real (2013)




    That example of flip flopping would easily be diagnosed as several mental disorders and we are talking about science making these claims!!
    The following users say it would be alright if the author of this post didn't die in a fire!
Jump to Top