Social Behavior in a Captive Group of Indian Pythons, Python molurus (Serpentes, Boidae) with Formation of a Linear Social Hierarchy

Abstract

Four male and one female Python molurus were maintained together and their social interactions observed for 85 days. The acts and act systems involved in communication encompassed the entire elongate morphology of the snake. The sequence of events comprising the male combat ritual was observed over 60 times; a stable linear social hierarchy between the four males was established. The combat consisted of: recognition-investigation, ascent, alignment, orientation, topping and submission. Biting and vigorous use of pelvic spurs were recorded. Individual recognition of other males either provoked a snake to engage in combat or to withdraw. Courtship and copulatory sequences were triphasic: tactilechase, tactile-alignment, and intromission and coitus. The number of successful copulations corresponded to the hierarchial status of the males and male combat