Dice snakes employ dramatic tactics to deceive predators, utilizing their own blood and excrement to stage elaborate death scenes, convincing would-be attackers of their demise.
In a theatrical performance reminiscent of Shakespearean drama, these snakes, when threatened, expel foul-smelling feces and musk, and sometimes even simulate bleeding from the mouth. This act of “playing possum” is a well-known survival strategy, termed death feigning or thanatosis, observed across various species in the animal kingdom.
A recent study published in Biology Letters sheds light on the remarkable behavior of dice snakes (Natrix tessellata), particularly in their use of this survival tactic. When faced with danger, these snakes engage in a sequence of actions, including flopping onto their backs and emitting odorous secretions, aiming to repulse potential predators. By appearing unappetizing and resembling a decaying carcass, they hope to deter attackers and buy time for escape.
Lead researcher Vukašin Bjelica, a biologist at the University of Belgrade, highlights the risky nature of this behavior, noting that while feigning death leaves the snake vulnerable, it provides a potential advantage against predators.
Dice snakes, which can grow up to 4 feet in length and lack venomous defenses, rely on this defense portfolio to dissuade larger predators. By combining foul odors, simulated bleeding, and a convincing death act, they aim to deceive predators and increase their chances of survival.
The study, conducted on a population of dice snakes in Norh Macedonia, revealed intriguing insights into the prevalence and effectiveness of these behaviors. Snakes on Golem Grad island, facing intense avian predation, exhibited a higher propensity for thanatosis, suggesting adaptation to their challenging environment.
Furthermore, individual personality traits may influence the likelihood of engaging in such risky behavior. While some snakes may boldly embrace the strategy, others may exhibit more cautious tendencies.
Notably, the study found that snakes employing additional tactics, such as fecal smearing and mouth bleeding, spent less time in a death-feigning state, indicating a potential survival advantage conferred by these behaviors.
Ultimately, the elaborate performances of dice snakes underscore the diverse and ingenious strategies employed by animals to navigate the perilous world of predator-prey interactions.
