What is the technical term for the Western Hognose Snake's death-feigning behavior?
Answer
Thanatosis
The highly dramatic defense mechanism employed by the Western Hognose Snake when faced with a significant threat is called thanatosis. This behavior involves a comprehensive theatrical performance designed to convince an observer or predator that the snake is deceased. The display is elaborate, often beginning with flattening the head and puffing up the body in a bluff display. If that fails, the snake proceeds to roll onto its back, gape its mouth widely, writhe slightly, and release a noxious musk from glands located near the cloaca. This commitment to the role is so thorough that if an observer intervenes and turns the snake onto its belly, it will immediately flip back to maintain the appearance of being dead.
Related Questions
What specialized physical characteristic identifies the Western Hognose Snake?What is the primary function of the *Heterodon nasicus*'s shovel-like snout?What is the technical term for the Western Hognose Snake's death-feigning behavior?Where are the venom-delivering fangs located in the mildly venomous Western Hognose Snake?What specialized primary prey item do Western Hognose Snakes consume, often facing chemical defenses?Which sex of the Western Hognose Snake generally attains greater overall size and weight?What specific action might a Western Hognose Snake take if turned over while successfully performing thanatosis?What mechanism allows *Heterodon nasicus* to safely consume toads with defensive skin toxins?Which environmental characteristic is strongly associated with the distribution of the Western Hognose Snake?For keeper well-being, what substrate characteristic must be provided to allow the natural foraging behavior of *Heterodon nasicus*?