Diet and feeding behaviour of the Neotropical parrot snake (Leptophis ahaetulla) in northern Brazil

Abstract

Specimens (289) of Leptophis ahaetulla from northern Brazil and western Maranhão were examined for the composition of stomach contents. Most prey items were tree frogs, especially those of the family Hylidae (90%). Most of the anurans identified belong to the Scinax ruber species group (27%) and Scinax sp. (25%). Prey size was significantly related to snake length but not to head length. There was no significant difference related to sex in either case. Both sexes preyed on small to medium‐sized items (3–10% of snake snout–vent length). Leptophis ahaetulla seems to manipulate captured prey before ingestion since most of the prey items (83.6%) were swallowed head‐first. Leptophis ahaetulla is primarily diurnal and semi‐arboreal, inhabits disturbed and undisturbed forest, and forages primarily on the ground and in fallen vegetation, where its prey items are likely to be found at rest.

†In memoriam.

Keywords:

• Diet
• feeding behaviour
• Leptophis ahaetulla
• northern Brazil
• parrot snake

Acknowledgements

We are indebted to the following for allowing dissection of snakes: Francisco Franco (IBSP), Julio Cesar de Moura Leite (MHNCI), Ana Prudente (MPEG), and Hussam Zaher (MZUSP). Alessandra Travassos, Clarissa Canedo, Daniel Fernandes, José Pombal Jr, Marinus Hoogmoed, Roberta Pinto, and Teresa Ávila‐Pires kindly identified some prey items for us. We are particularly grateful to Ana Prudente for her assistance in making material available. David Kizirian, Luis Felipe S. Aguiar, and two anonymous reviewers read the manuscript and offered valuable suggestions. Alessandra Travassos and Daniel Fernandes were especially helpful with identification of prey items. CAPES provided financial support to N.A.

Notes

†In memoriam.