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
- ckross@illinois.edu
- Views
- 117
- 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.