ANS 282 - Reptile Management: Snakes

Where do snakes live?

On every continent except Antarctica

How do snake’s organ structures work?

If there are two, there is one main, larger organ and a smaller vestigial

What is the taxonomical class, order and sub-order of snakes?

Reptilia, squamata, serpentes

What do cones in the retina do?

Sees color

What do rods in the retina do?

Sees in lower light

What colors do snakes see?

They are dichromatic: seeing blue and green

Why do visual abilities differ between species of snakes?

They are adapted based on habitat and activity patterns

What kind of pupils do diurnal species have?

Rounded pupils

What kinds of pupils do nocturnal snakes have?

Vertical pupils

What is the protective coverings of the eye called?

Brille

What happens to vision during shedding?

The brille becomes visable and vision becomes worse

How do snakes have “heat vision”?

Has two chambers in pits on their face: the internal chamber which is the temperature of the snake and external chamber which is extremely sensitive to external changes and the snake can detect differences and changes between the temperatures of the two chambers

Do snakes have external or middle ears?

No

How do snakes hear?

With the quadrante bone that moves in response to vibrations which is translated to the brain

What is the hearing range?

50-1,000 Hz (significantly less than people)

How do snakes smell?

By bringing air particles, usually by flicking their tongue, to the vomeronasal organ which has condensed, highly specialized olfactory nerves

Where does respiration occur?

In the primary right lung and secondary left lung

True or False and why: Snakes can breath while swallowing

True, the trachea can extend so they can breath while eating

What are scales formed from?

The epidermis and made of keratin

True or false: Snakes are born with a fixed number of scales

True

What are the specialized belly scales called?

Scutes

What is the purpose of scales?

Protection, aids in motion and prevents dehydration

What are some differences in scale morphology?

Smaller scales around the mouth and an anal plate to protect coloaca

How many pairs of glands do snakes have and what are they called?

Only one, the anal scent glands

What are anal scent glands used for?

Pheromone release for mate attraction, protection and marking territory

What do snakes need to move?

Friction

What is shedding skin called?

Ecdysis

Why and how do snakes shed skin

They shed skin in one piece for growth

What can cause problems during shedding?

Lack of moisture

What are the signs and behaviors exhibited before and during shredding?

Prior to shedding the skin will appear dull during due to fluid buildup between layers of skin and often during shedding snakes will hide and not eat

What are 4 jaw adaptations that allow for consumption of large prey?

Quadrante bones which act as the jaw hinge are very far back and flexible, there are two lower jaws that are flexible and move independently which helps to wiggle prey to the back of the mouth, pivots enable vertical and horizontal rotation and the jaws are attached by flexible ligaments

What can you tell from a snake’s teeth?

How they kill their prey

Do all snakes have the same teeth?

No, they are species specific

How are teeth attached and can they grow back if lost?

They are attached to the bone and can grow back

What are grooved fangs for?

Allowing venom to flow on the tooth surface

What are hollow fangs for?

Injecting venom

What is the function of teeth?

Delivers venom, draws foods into the mouth and prevents escape of prey

Are fangs attached or retractable?

Both

What are defenses of snakes?

Threatening displays, biting, hiding/camouflage, mimicry and playing dead

How do snakes breakup food?

As food moves through their elongated esophagus and digestive tract peristaltic movement is used to grind and pass food while digestive enzymes and gastric juices breakdown protein

Where is nutrients absorbed?

In the small and large intestines

Why should cages be secured?

Snakes are escape artists

How does the snake species impact the type of enclosure used? Give examples

You must consider the natural environment for the shape and substrate of the tank such as shaving/wood chips for borrowing snakes, sand for desert snakes and branches for aboreal snakes

What substrate should you not use and why?

Cedar flakes because of toxic oils

What features should a snake enclosure have?

Places to hide and a large water dish for soaking, hydration and humidity

What temperature should the enclosure be and why?

Mid 70’s to 80’s because snakes are ectotherms

What would snakes normally eat in the wild?

Snakes are carnivores and eat prey ranging from insects to large mammals like earthworms, frogs, fish, rodents, rabbits

What should be considered when choosing the size of the food?

The prey’s diameter should be about the same size as the widest part of the snake

How often should you feed snakes?

It depends on size, age and species

What are different types of food?

Pre-killed prey, finely ground meat packages and live prey

What are considerations for feeding pre-killed prey?

Keep frozen to reduce bacteria and then thaw at room temperature and warm before feeding, snakes can take a while to accept this kind of prey

What are considerations for feeding live prey?

Frequent cleaning of fecal matter because it contains a large amount of uric acid which can cause ulceration and irritation of the skin and watch the prey because if the snake isn’t hungry the rodents can bite the snake and injuries like these can be fetal

What should you avoid doing after feeding?

Handling