Tail Luring by the Golden Lancehead (Bothrops insularis), an Island Endemic Snake from South-Eastern Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Herein, we report on direct and indirect evidence of tail luring by the golden lancehead, Bothrops insularis (Viperidae), a threatened snake species endemic to a small island off the coast of South-eastern Brazil. Tail luring was recorded for a juvenile male in nature and circumstantial evidence indicates that it was directed to ectothermic prey. Indeed, B. insularis juveniles feed on small lizards and frogs and tail luring is probably an important hunting strategy of this species. Adult golden lanceheads prey mostly on birds. A frequently seen characteristic ambush posture, coiled with the conspicuous tail tip exposed close to the head, indicates that they use tail luring as well. Lured birds may peck at a snake's tail, and the high frequency of tail tip injuries in B. insularis (20.9%) compared to a continental sister species that rarely preys on birds (B. jararaca, 7.3%) strengthens the view that B. insularis adults lure birds.