Which specific lagomorph is frequently taken by adult Western Diamondbacks, with larger specimens capable of eating jackrabbits?
Answer
The desert cottontail (*Sylvilagus floridanus*)
While small mammals like mice and rats constitute the bulk of the overall caloric intake, adult Western Diamondbacks are capable of tackling larger prey items that fall within the lagomorph category. Specifically mentioned as frequently taken prey is the desert cottontail (*Sylvilagus floridanus*). Furthermore, the capacity of large adult specimens extends to the reputed consumption of even larger jackrabbits, showcasing their ability to exploit substantial food resources when available.
Related Questions
What percentage of total prey weight did small mammals account for in the Texas study of Crotalus atrox?What is the function of the loreal pit in the Western Diamondback's hunting tactics?What is the maximum documented period Crotalus atrox can survive without food intake?How does the hemotoxic venom of Crotalus atrox aid in subduing and processing large meals?Which prey category do juvenile Western Diamondback snakes typically focus on more heavily?During prolonged starvation, by what approximate percentage do fasting snakes reduce their metabolic rates?Which specific lagomorph is frequently taken by adult Western Diamondbacks, with larger specimens capable of eating jackrabbits?Which structures does the Western Diamondback prioritize maintaining and growing during extended periods of mass loss from fasting?What is the immediate action a Western Diamondback typically takes after successfully injecting venom into its prey?What is the likely explanation researchers offer for why insects like grasshoppers appear in stomach content analysis of Crotalus atrox?How do optimal environmental temperatures affect the strike speed and venom yield of Crotalus atrox?