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Full-Text Articles in Desert Ecology
Elaphe Bairdi (Baird’S Rat Snake): Drinking Behavior., Louis A. Somma
Elaphe Bairdi (Baird’S Rat Snake): Drinking Behavior., Louis A. Somma
Papers in Herpetology
On 13 February 1988. at 1600 h. a captive-bred (hatched July 1985) male Elaphe bairdi (TL.136.9 cm, SVL .. 89.54 cm). maintained in a 50.5 x 25 x 30 cm terrerium was accidently splashed with water. As beads of water on the snake's head rolled down to the upper labial sceles. swallowing was observed. The water on the labial scales was drawn Into the mouth while It was closed. This behavior lasted 42 sec. This behavior was repeated 23 out of 24 trials conducted during the next 24 days. The duration of swallowing wes 9-62 sec (avg 35.8, N = …