How do worm snakes manipulate and consume their prey differently than snakes that rely on constriction?
Answer
They use sharp, tiny teeth to grip the slippery prey while manipulating it to swallow it whole
Unlike many larger snake species that subdue larger, struggling prey through constriction, the worm snake employs a focused feeding method tailored for soft, cylindrical earthworms. When an earthworm is located, the snake uses its sharp, tiny teeth to securely grip the slippery prey item. The process relies on specialized muscular coordination to manipulate the prey item, which is often nearly as long as the snake itself, and swallow it whole. Constriction is unnecessary because the prey is soft-bodied and does not fight back vigorously enough to necessitate incapacitation before ingestion.
Related Questions
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