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Function of occipital spots in Natrix...

S_EvgeNiy Feb 05, 2007 11:18 AM

Function of occipital spots in common water snake (Natrix natrix, family Colubridae) and Master's snake (Drysdalia mastersi, family Elapidae).

What kind of function do occipital spots perform in common water snake (Natrix natrix) and Master's snake (Drysdalia mastersi)? As may be seen in photo, these species is very similar. Way to understanding that phenomenon of convergent adaptation - seize what role perform this coloration in life this snake's.

I'd like to listen your opinion about this problem.
Image

Replies (2)

S_EvgeNiy Feb 05, 2007 11:20 AM

... and photo of Master's snake (Drysdalia mastersi).
Image

LarryF Feb 05, 2007 10:17 PM

Hmmm... It never even occured to me to wonder if they actually served a purpose, but now looking at the second picture, I have a guess...

They may look like eyes to a potential predator, which could either make the snake's head look larger or make it hard to tell which direction it is facing, or both. Those SEEM to be common functions of head markings on a lot of snakes and other animals.

Snakes in particular tend to have facial stripes running through the eyes to hide them and I assume the hood pattern on spectacled cobras function by making a predator always think the snake is facing them.

Tigers are another example. They have a spot that looks a lot like an eye on the back of each ear... Not that many animals make a habit of sneaking up on tigers...except other tigers.
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