Research Article: Foraging and prey handling behaviors of the generalist Thamnophis hammondii offered various prey types

Abstract

Foraging success is critical to the survival of any predator. When encountering introduced prey species, predatory generalists often adapt more readily to the prey than do predatory specialists. The foraging and prey handling behaviors of Thamnophis hammondii offered three different prey types (Lepomis spp., larval Rana catesbeiana, and juvenile X. laevis) were examined. Durations of foraging and prey handling behaviors were analyzed to determine if these behaviors varied by snake gender, collection locality, or prey type. Differences in behavior type and duration as a function of gender or location were not detected. Snake behaviors varied between prey types, with differences in the duration of the following behaviors: time overland, cruising, margin wandering, midwater diving, prey-orienting underwater, and ingesting. Snakes successfully captured all prey types, with the highest attack and success rates when foraging for R. catesbeiana. The results indicate that T. hammondii exhibits a variable repertoire of foraging behaviors when presented various prey types. The generalist nature of this species may allow it to forage effectively for prey types that may be unavailable to other natricine snakes.