What constitutes the overwhelming majority of the Western Hognose Snake's diet?
Answer
Toads (*Bufo* species).
The evolutionary success of the Western Hognose is closely linked to its highly specific dietary selection, showing a profound constraint imposed by its trophic niche. Its diet is overwhelmingly dominated by amphibians, specifically toads belonging to the genus *Bufo*. This preference is so strong that it keeps the snake tethered to areas within its generally drier range where moisture supports amphibian populations. The snake relies on its mild venom to effectively subdue these amphibians, many of which possess their own potent chemical defenses, illustrating a specialized predator-prey evolutionary arms race.
Related Questions
What are the three recognized species within the genus Heterodon?What is the primary function of the upturned rostral scale on *H. nasicus*?What is the final defensive act exhibited by the Western Hognose if bluffing fails?How do hognoses inject mild venom secretions into their preferred prey?What constitutes the overwhelming majority of the Western Hognose Snake's diet?How does the rostral scale structure of *H. nasicus* generally compare to *H. platirhinos*?To which major snake family does the Western Hognose Snake belong?What is the initial defensive display strategy employed by the Western Hognose when threatened?Which geographical description fits the distribution of *H. nasicus* across North America?What specific evolutionary advantage does the mild venom provide against favored prey?