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Posted by Rich G. on April 26, 2002 at 09:50:38:
In Reply to: Re: Diversionary tactics... posted by Jaffo on April 26, 2002 at 07:12:51:
I had already been thinking about that exact same thing last night while at work. First, as I said earlier, I don't think any one theory is responsible for the developement of the rattle. I'm sure it started one way but I think the usefulness expanded as different snakes evolved in different environs. I think we can see a two fold purpose in what you mentioned about the little montanes and molossus as compared to atrox and scutulatus. Atrox and scutes live in more open areas and do not hesitate to go wandering in the open. These open areas are also where large herbivores are foraging hence a larger, noisier rattle. The snakes would also be far more exposed to predators, especially of the avian type, here a banded type tail might prove a beneficial distraction.
The little montanes and molossus on the other hand are saxicolis species. Large hooved mammals aren't likely to be walking in the rockpiles they inhabit so there is less need for a large rattle. There is also less need for a prominant tail pattern as these guys tend to be a little more secretive in their meanderings than the larger species.
I have also wondered BTW if the gradual darkening of the rear third of the body in the durissus/basaliscus/horridus/horridus group is for the purpose of leaving the rear of the body exposed from under rocks to thermoregulate while the anterior is protected. I have noticed in molossus that the mountain blacktails are much more likely to have a very dark rear and black tail while the desert blacktails often have gray tails with black banding much like basaliscus. Not as much need to absorb heat in the desert snakes?
