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INHS Seminar - To Thermoregulate or Forage: Finding Balance between Opposing Behaviors in an Ectothermic Ambush Forager

Event Type
Seminar/Symposium
Sponsor
Illinois Natural History Survey Seminar Committee
Date
Apr 20, 2021   4:00 pm  
Speaker
Larry Kamees, PhD Candidate, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas
Contact
Dr. Chelsea Kross
E-Mail
ckross@illinois.edu
Views
114
Originating Calendar
INHS Events

Be sure to log into Zoom before joining the seminar via the link at:

Zoom: https://illinois.zoom.us/j/86530977728?pwd=Nk9qcy9RbkdiL0ZNMXRJamQvbG9Xdz09

Meeting ID: 865 3097 7728 | Password: 245636

Reptile thermoregulation often involves avoiding the hottest hours because direct solar radiation can increase body temperature beyond acceptable levels. Thus, many reptiles feed opportunistically while actively thermoregulating. However, we observed an ambush forager, the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) remaining in the same foraging location for hours or days while frequently exposed to direct solar radiation. We questioned how an ectothermic ambush forager relying on crypsis and immobility for foraging success could remain motionless for extended periods while frequently exposed to direct solar radiation? What mechanisms do rattlesnakes have that may help offset these daily heat loads? Inquiring minds want to know.

 

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