Seasonal variability in brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) response to lures

In continuing investigations of brown tree snake, Boiga irregularis, attrac tion to carrion odor, we hypothesized that the attractiveness of live or de ad and visually apparent or concealed lures varies seasonally. We determine d that lure condition (live or dead mouse lures) and sensory cues (visually apparent or concealed lure) interact among wet and dry seasons. Concealed carrion lures were more effective during the dry season than the wet season , but the effectiveness of live mouse lures showed less seasonal variabilit y. We identified weather variables that covary with observed seasonal trend s in capture rates and investigated the influence of recent feeding on snak e response to lures. Data suggest that live mouse lure capture rates correl ate with wind and dead mouse capture rates correlate with rainfall. Recentl y fed and satiated snakes were not less responsive to lures but were less a ctive than unfed snakes. Snakes held for over 2 years were less responsive than recently captured snakes. More intensive studies will be required to d etermine cause-and-effect relationships between lure type, seasonality, and snake behavior.