The Predatory Strike Behavior of the Mamushi, Agkistrodon blomhoffii blomhoffii, and the Malay Pit Viper, Calloselasma rhodostoma

Abstract

Various proximate factors affect the success of predatory behavior in venomous snakes. Some of these factors are known from European and New World vipers. The present study sought to identify the role played by some of these factors in two species of Asian vipers, the manushi (Agkistrodon b. blomhoffii) and Malay pit viper (Calloselasma rhodostoma). The mamushi usually released prey, the site struck most frequently was the area of head and thorax, and large mcie were as likely to be released as small mice. The Malay pit viper also struck the area of the head and thorax most frequently, but more often retained the prey in its jaws. Small mice were more often held than large mice, but envenomation was unaffected by mouse size, and dead rate of struck prey was faster than in the mamushi.