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. 2014 Dec 9;20(1):53.
doi: 10.1186/1678-9199-20-53. eCollection 2014.

Does the rattle of Crotalus durissus terrificus reveal its dietary history?

Melissa Gaste Martinez  1 , Carlos Ducatti  2 , Evandro Tadeu Silva  2 , Savio Stefanini Sant'Anna  3 , Maria Márcia Pereira Sartori  2 , Benedito Barraviera  4
Affiliations

Does the rattle of Crotalus durissus terrificus reveal its dietary history?

Melissa Gaste Martinez et al. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Environmental devastation threatens the survival of many species, including venomous snakes such as the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. This observation is based on the decrease of snakes collected and donated to Brazilian research institutes. Nevertheless, some individuals have managed to survive and procreate. The question is how these snakes are adapting in these new environmental conditions.

Methods: To answer it, the carbon-13 level of rattlesnakes and their feed (either laboratory or wild mice) was evaluated by isotope-ratio mass spectrometry. Thus, rattle segments from 16 adults and 15 offspring of captive snakes, and of three wild newborn C. d. terrificus were evaluated as well as 17 Mus musculus mice captured in traps, four live feeder mice and the ration offered to mice at animal houses.

Results: The isotopic exchange time of the captive adult snakes (n = 16) varied between 33 and 37 months and of captive-born animals (n = 15), until reaching a plateau of equilibrium, varied from 18 to 24 months. Regarding the captured Mus musculus (n = 17), 88.23% (n = 15) were from a C4 environment. Of the six rattle rings from offspring of captured C. d. terrificus, five were from a C4 environment, whereas of the 170 rattle rings studied, 60% originated from a C3 environment and 40% from a C4. The same carbon-13 values were found in captive snakes.

Conclusions: Based on the present results, it can be inferred that most C. d. terrificus snakes (60%) fed animals from a C3 environment; birds consist of an alimentary alternative for snakes, as well as rodents, small reptiles and amphibians; different venom compositions among snakes from the same region may be related to the food type; the primary rattle of offspring reflects the maternal diet during gestation; and, finally, the different rattle rings indicate the alimentary history of these animals.

Keywords: Carbon-13; Crotalus durissus terrificus; Food; Stable isotopes.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Values of δ 13 C of the nine segments of the rattlesnake 1 from CEVAP.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Values of δ 13 C of the eight segments of rattlesnake 4 from CEVAP.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Values of δ 13 C of rattle segments from two young snakes born in CEVAP captivity.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Values of δ 13 C of the rattle segments of the two mothers and their offspring, all maintained in IB.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Values of δ 13 C in mice bred in CEVAP and IB animal houses, in 17 mice captured in the field study and in segments of rattle of the three newborn captured snakes according to the environment (C 3 , C 4 and partially C 3 and C 4 ). F1,1 and F1,2: first wild newborn snake, primary and second segments; F2,1 and F2,2: second wild newborn snake, primary and second segments; F3,1 and F3,2: third wild newborn snake, primary and second segments.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Histogram displaying δ 13 C values in 170 rattle segments from the snakes studied, according to the distribution of their environments. C4: C4 environment, PC4: partially C4 environment, C3: C3 environment, PC3: partially C3 environment.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Mean δ 13 C values and representation percentages of the 170 rattle rings analyzed, according to environment. C4: C4 environment, PC4: partially C4 environment, C3: C3 environment, PC3: partially C3 environment.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Crotalus durissus terrificus eating a sparrow ( Passer domesticus ) in CEVAP captivity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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