Cannibalism in Dolichophis jugularis (Serpentes: Colubridae): More than Random?
Articles > Article · 2008
Authors: Bayram Göçmen, Yehudah L. Werner, Burak Elbeyli, Bayram Göçmen, Yehudah L. Werner, Burak Elbeyli
Current Herpetology, International, Scopus, 2008, vol 27, pp 1-7
DOI: 10.3105/1345-5834(2008)27[1:cidjsc]2.0.co;2
Summary
Four cases of cannibalism among Dolichophis jugularis (Serpentes: Colubridae) are reported from Cyprus and Turkey. The number of cannibalism records for this species thus rises to at least six. Due to its opportunistic euryphagy, D. jugularis is potentially cannibalistic. Although pure opportunism cannot be ruled out, cannibalistic behaviour may be enhanced in this species by conditions such as starvation.