Cranial adaptations for feeding on snails in species of Sibynomorphus (Dipsadidae: Dipsadinae)

Author(s)

dos Santos, Marina Meireles ; da Silva, Fernanda Magalhaes ; Hingst-Zaher, Erika ; Machado, Fabio Andrade ; Zaher, Hussam El Dine ; da Costa Prudente, Ana Lucia

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ZOOLOGY; v. 120, p. 24-30, FEB 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 5

Abstract

Neotropical ``goo-eating{''} dipsadine snakes display a set of morphological and histo-chemical adaptations linked to the capture of their soft-bodied, viscous invertebrate prey. Within this group, species from the genus Sibynomorphus feed chiefly on snails and slugs. Here, we analyzed a series of skull and mandible characters in S. mikanii, S. neuwiedi and S. turgidus using geometric morphometrics, with the aim of assessing morphological adaptations related to slug- and snail-feeding in that genus. We further compared the results with Leptodeira annulata, a species that feeds on vertebrates. To evaluate shape differences of the skull and mandible between species we performed a multivariate analysis of variance and a linear discriminant analysis. Our results show that the narrow, elongate skull in S. mikanii may help with slug ingestion, while asymmetry in teeth number and mandibular shape in S. neuwiedi and S. turgidus are likely related to snail feeding. (C) 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/50206-9 - Origin and evolution of snakes and their diversification in the Neotropics: a multidisciplinary approach
• Grantee: Hussam El Dine Zaher
• Support type: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 11/21674-4 - Evolutionary consequences of morphological integration in the skull and mandible of Caniformia (Carnivora; Mammalia)
• Grantee: Fábio de Andrade Machado
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate