Foraging site selection in prairie kingsnakes (Lampropeltis c. calligaster): An experimental approach

Abstract

A critical component to a predator’s survival is the choice of foraging sites that yield enough predatory success to meet energetic demands. To elucidate cues used to select foraging sites, I examined foraging site selection in Prairie Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis c. calligaster), a generalist species whose foraging mode is flexible. My objectives were to determine: the pattern of foraging site selection; the importance of certain cues that kingsnakes use when selecting foraging sites; and, whether or not kingsnakes adjust their foraging patterns in response to alterations in the microhabitat. I tested subjects in a large experimental arena under several treatment conditions that simulated various components of a natural habitat setting: presence/absence of chemical cues from prey; presence/absence of physical structure that could be used as either a shelter or ambush site; presence/absence of both chemical cues and physical structure. After subjects acclimated to treatment conditions where both chemical and physical cues were present, I also quantified changes in subject behavior in response to repositioned objects (i.e., interrupted chemical trails). Most snakes maintained an active foraging strategy under different treatment conditions, but my results indicate inter-individual variation in foraging behavior in similar microhabitats. Flexibility in foraging behavior appears to facilitate predatory success in kingsnakes, even when confronted with an altered microhabitat.

Date of Award	2008
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Stephen Mullin (Supervisor)