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RAUK - Archived Forum - Tail lure

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Tail lure:

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Vanderklam
Member
Joined: 20 Apr 2008
No. of posts: 39


View other posts by Vanderklam
Posted: 17 Jun 2008

I have noted that a number of my adder subjects for my MSc thesis have exhibited an uncharacteristic orange colouration to the tip of the tail. This had been observed in at least five specimens caught thus far this season. Has anyone else noticed this unique attribute among other populations?? Im aware that many juvenile viperids utilise tail colouration to lure prey, but could this be the case for V. berus?? Any other suggestions??


Kevin Palmer
Lecturer in Animal Management/Course Manager
Reaseheath College
armata
Forum Specialist
Joined: 05 Apr 2006
No. of posts: 928


View other posts by armata
Posted: 17 Jun 2008
Yes, you are right about the colouration of the underside of the tail, can be also yellowish or greenish. I have never seen actual tail luring; although I have seen neos and immature wriggling the tail. But proper luring involves holding the tail vertical; typical examples being the cantil (Agistrodon bilineatus) and the sand viper (Cerastes vipera)also Peringueys Adder (Bitis peringueyi).

There is a record of a young Vipera ammodytes luring, so keep your eyes open!!
'I get my kicks on Route 62'
mibes
Member
Joined: 22 Mar 2008
No. of posts: 27


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Posted: 19 Jun 2008
Welcome back!
How was Canada?
Here is a not very good picture of one of the tips mentioned!

More Galleries at my site..
Time in motion
Vanderklam
Member
Joined: 20 Apr 2008
No. of posts: 39


View other posts by Vanderklam
Posted: 22 Jun 2008

Hey mibes,

Toronto was great. Spent much of my time around lake ontario. Caught a few freshwater turtle species and a few Northern Water snakes (Nerodia spiedon). Didnt manage to see any other species of snake unfortunately as temperatures were unusually low for that time of year.


Kevin Palmer
Lecturer in Animal Management/Course Manager
Reaseheath College

- Tail lure

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