Strike-Induced Chemosensory Searching in the Habu (Trimeresurus flavoviridis), an Asian Pit Viper

Abstract

ABSTRACr. - Neonate, juvenile and adult habu, Trimeresurus flavoviridis, were tested for the occurrence of strike-induced chemosensory searching (SICS) following predatory strikes. Two separate experiments were conducted in Okinawa, Japan and in Tennessee, USA. Although the experiments differed slightly in their methodology, both demonstrated clearly the occurrence of SICS in habu. Since the habu is terrestrial, while other species of Trimeresurus are arboreal and apparently do not exhibit SICS, this behavior may have been reevolved by habu.