Rate of tongue flicking by rattlesnakes during successive stages of feeding on rodent prey

Abstract

Specimens of each of three 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 snakes flicked their tongues at high rates (more than 20 flicks/minute) between striking and commencement of swallowing. Also, frequent tongue flicking (10 to 15 flicks/minute) was seen for about 15 min after swallowing. These data indicate that well-acclimated, captive rattlesnakes do not rely upon the Jacobson’s organ to detect prey or to guide the 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. © 1976, The Psychonomic Society, Inc.. All rights reserved.