Behavioural responses by hatchling racers (Coluber constrictor) from two geographically distinct populations to chemical stimuli from potential prey and predators

In experiments on responses to chemical food stimuli by previously unfed ha tchlings from widely separated populations of the colubrid snake Coluber co nstrictor in the United States, strong responses were elicited by items imp ortant in the local diet. These differed between populations, suggesting th at response has been adjusted to local diet by natural selection. Coluber c onstrictor priapus from South Carolina tongue-flicked at elevated rates to cues from lizards, snakes, and frogs, and bit only in response to a preferr ed lizard prey. They responded more strongly to the sympatric lizard Anolis carolinensis than to A. sagrei, an allopatric congener. Strong response to cues from the ophidiophagous snake Lampropeltis triangulum might reflect m otivation for predator avoidance or for feeding, depending on relative snak e sizes. Coluber constrictor mormon, for which insects and mammals are the most important foods. responded most strongly to stimuli from sympatric ins ects, mammals, and a lizard, as well as a bird.