Composition and Variation of the Diet of Vipera Aspis Francisciredi in Relation to Age and Reproductive Stage

Abstract

The composition of the diet has been investigated in some populations of Vipera aspis francisciredi from the Tolfa Mountains (central Italy) and related to snake size and reproductive stage. The percentage composition of the diet, niche breadth, the percentage of vipers which fed every month and the average time which elapsed between two consecutive feedings, have been analyzed. Some aspects of the relationships between vipers and their prey have also been investigated. © 1991, Brill. All rights reserved.