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Tail lure: |
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Vanderklam Member Joined: 20 Apr 2008 No. of posts: 39  View other posts by Vanderklam |
Posted: 17 Jun 2008 I have noted that a number of my adder subjects for my MSc thesis have exhibited an uncharacteristic orange colouration to the tip of the tail. This had been observed in at least five specimens caught thus far this season. Has anyone else noticed this unique attribute among other populations?? Im aware that many juvenile viperids utilise tail colouration to lure prey, but could this be the case for V. berus?? Any other suggestions?? Kevin Palmer Lecturer in Animal Management/Course Manager Reaseheath College |
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armata Forum Specialist Joined: 05 Apr 2006 No. of posts: 928 View other posts by armata |
Posted: 17 Jun 2008 Yes, you are right about the colouration of the underside of the tail, can be also yellowish or greenish. I have never seen actual tail luring; although I have seen neos and immature wriggling the tail. But proper luring involves holding the tail vertical; typical examples being the cantil (Agistrodon bilineatus) and the sand viper (Cerastes vipera)also Peringueys Adder (Bitis peringueyi). There is a record of a young Vipera ammodytes luring, so keep your eyes open!! 'I get my kicks on Route 62' |
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mibes Member Joined: 22 Mar 2008 No. of posts: 27 View other posts by mibes |
Posted: 19 Jun 2008 Welcome back! How was Canada? Here is a not very good picture of one of the tips mentioned!  More Galleries at my site.. Time in motion |
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Vanderklam Member Joined: 20 Apr 2008 No. of posts: 39 View other posts by Vanderklam |
Posted: 22 Jun 2008 Hey mibes, Toronto was great. Spent much of my time around lake ontario. Caught a few freshwater turtle species and a few Northern Water snakes (Nerodia spiedon). Didnt manage to see any other species of snake unfortunately as temperatures were unusually low for that time of year. Kevin Palmer Lecturer in Animal Management/Course Manager Reaseheath College |
- Tail lure |