Activity patterns of the Brown Vine snake Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824) (Serpentes, Colubridae) in the Brazilian semiarid

Abstract

The Brown Vine snake, Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler, 1824), is widely distributed from the United States to Argentina. 113 specimens encountered in the field and 39 individuals from scientific collections were analyzed and we determined patterns of diet, habitat use, and daily and seasonal activity. Oxybelis aeneus can be found to be active year round, especially during the dry and warmer months. Daily temperature poorly describes its activity as it seems to be more active around 31 to 35°C. During the hours of inactivity the species tends to chose higher branches than when active. The snakes choose spiny trees as retreat sites and spineless trees as foraging sites. We suggest that the high abundance of O. aeneus makes it an appropriate model organism for studies on activity patterns of snakes in semi-arid environments.

Predation of the lizard <em>Tropidurus hispidus</em> (Squamata, Tropiduridae) by the vine snake <em>Oxybelis aeneus</em> (Serpentes: Colubridae) in the Caatinga, northeastern Brazil

“…Our data appear as complementary to those already available in the literature, especially by Mesquita et al (2012) and Sousa et al (2020), confirming the behavior of Oxybelis aeneus to capture and ingest its prey suspended vertically upside down on the vegetation, as recorded by Sousa et al (2020). Thus, in this record, we adding more information regarding the trophic ecology of this snake in natural environment.…”

Snakes of the Pernambuco Endemism Center, Brazil: diversity, natural history and conservation

“… Oxybelis aeneus feeds on lizards, amphibians, and occasionally fishes ( Henderson 1982 , Hetherington 2006 , Grant and Lewis 2010 , Mesquita et al 2013 , Franzini et al 2018 ). Its litter can range from 4 to 9 eggs ( Vitt and Vangilder 1983 , Mesquita et al 2009 , Fraga et al 2013 ).…”

“… Tantilla melanocephala feeds on arthropods. Its litter can range from 1 to 3 eggs ( Mesquita et al 2009 , Fraga et al 2013 )…”

Ecologia e história natural das serpentes de uma área de Caatinga no nordeste brasileiro

“…Fêmeas ovígeras foram encontradas desde a estação seca até o início da estação chuvosa, especificamente em janeiro (9 ovos, veja Mesquita et al, 2010c), fevereiro (5 ovos), março (duas fêmeas com 7 ovos), outubro (5 ovos) e dezembro (5 ovos). Serpente muito agressiva, de coloração e forma do corpo semelhante a galhos secos, à aproximação pode fugir para galhos mais altos ou permanecer no mesmo local movendo o corpo lembrando a movimentação de galhos ao vento e utiliza substratos espinhosos para repouso (Mesquita et al, 2012b). Quando manuseada abre a boca exibindo o palato de coloração escura, assume a postura de "S", desfere botes repetidamente e realiza descarga cloacal de substâncias com mau odor.…”