What evolutionary factor reduces the selective pressure for venom production in *D. scabra*?
Answer
Its diet consists almost entirely of bird eggs, a stationary and nutrient-rich food source.
The dietary niche of the Rhombic Egg Eater—subsisting almost entirely on bird eggs—significantly influences its lack of venom investment. Bird eggs are described as a highly reliable and stationary food source. Because survival hinges on locating nests and swallowing eggs rather than actively overpowering swift, moving prey that might require toxins for subduing, there is minimal selective pressure for the snake to expend metabolic energy producing complex, costly venom. Instead, its defensive energy is channeled into bluffing displays designed to startle potential predators away.
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