What functional advantage does the dark, nearly uniform adult coloration provide?
Answer
It aids in camouflage against tree bark and shadows in vertical habitats.
The progression from a complex juvenile pattern to a predominantly dark adult coloration is linked to shifts in preferred habitat use as the snake grows larger. Once the snake has achieved a size where ground predators are less of a threat, it frequently moves into vertical environments, such as climbing trees or structures. In these areas, an almost entirely black phenotype provides superior camouflage by blending seamlessly with shadows and the texture of rough bark. This reduced visibility benefits both hunting success and avoiding detection by aerial predators.
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