Feeding and Digestive Anatomy of Mud Snakes


Meeting Abstract

50-4  Sunday, Jan. 5 10:45 – 11:00  Feeding and Digestive Anatomy of Mud Snakes RUPP, AE*; MOON, B; University of Louisiana Lafayette; University of Louisiana Lafayette arianarupp91@gmail.com

Mud snakes are dietary specialists that regularly consume elongate amphibian prey such as siren and amphiuma salamanders. This study described the unique feeding behaviors of adult and juvenile mud snakes on elongate prey items using video recorded feeding trials. The digestive anatomy of both adult and juvenile mud snakes is also described in order to identify any specialized structures of the digestive tract that may aid in the consumption of elongate salamanders. Both gross morphology and histology of the digestive tract are described.

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