Published In

Revista Latinoamericana De Herpetologia

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

8-13-2025

Subjects

Antipredator strategies -- Common Anole, Anolis Humilis, Caudal autotomy, Lizards -- Opportunistic behavior, Predator-prey interactions -- Lizards

Abstract

During a natural history hike at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica, we observed a Brown Vine Snake, Oxybelis koehleri, consuming the autotomized tail of a Common Humble Anole, Anolis humilis, which had escaped predation. This event represents a rare documented instance of a vine snake feeding exclusively on a detached lizard tail. Tail autotomy is a widespread anti-predator strategy among lizards, with the shed tail continuing to writhe post-detachment, potentially attracting predators. Lizard tails are lipid-rich and offer a convenient energy source, especially in resource-scarce environments. Although such behavior has been noted in other reptiles, it is seldom reported in snakes. Our observation occurred during an unseasonal dry spell, which may have reduced prey availability, prompting opportunistic feeding behavior. This case highlights the ecological importance of tail autotomy and raises questions about its role in predator-prey dynamics and feeding strategies in snakes under environmental stress.

Rights

Copyright (c) 2025 The Authors

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Locate the Document

https://doi.org/ 10.22201/fc.25942158e.2025.3.1344

DOI

10.22201/fc.25942158e.2025.3.1344

Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/44092

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Biology Commons

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