Predator-prey reversal between a venomous snake, Bitis caudalis, and an insectivorous skink, Trachylepis margaritifera

Abstract

Predator–prey relationships are a central element of ecological community dynamics. The classification of a species as either predator or prey may change, especially when considering all life stages. Skinks account for about a quarter of the world's lizard species, but knowledge about the ecology of many species remains limited. Due to their species richness and abundance, they occupy a major role in trophic networks as prey and predators, feeding primarily on invertebrates. In this report we document an unusual case of predation by an adult skink Trachylepis margaritifera on a juvenile viperid snake Bitis caudalis in South Africa. Our observation raises the question of whether the prey spectrum and role of Trachylepis species in food webs may have been underestimated and which factors influence foraging behaviour and prey choice.