Title
Lagomorphs As Prey of Western Diamond-Backed Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) In Arizona
Document Type
Article
Department or Administrative Unit
Biological Sciences
Publication Date
12-1-2013
Abstract
The dietary breadth of the western diamond-backed rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) has been well documented; however, the relationship of species of prey and optimum energetic intake (e.g., size) is poorly understood. While lagomorphs have been documented as prey, their regularity in diets of C. atrox has not been examined. During several studies of C. atrox in Arizona, we collected dietary data through direct and indirect observation and analysis of scat. Lagomorphs were regularly included in the diet of adult C. atrox at all sites. Our observations suggest that C. atrox might select prey based on size to benefit from maximum energetic intake per feeding event.
Recommended Citation
Loughran, C. L., Nowak, E. M., Schofer, J., Sullivan, K. O., & Sullivan, B. K. (2013). Lagomorphs As Prey of Western Diamond-Backed Rattlesnakes (Crotalus atrox) In Arizona. The Southwestern Naturalist, 58(4), 502–505. https://doi.org/10.1894/0038-4909-58.4.502
Journal
The Southwestern Naturalist
Rights
© 2013 Southwestern Association of Naturalists
Comments
This article was originally published in The Southwestern Naturalist. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.
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