ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE VENOMOUS SNAKES OF ISRAEL: PART I
In: Israel Journal of Ecology and EvolutionSearch for other papers by H. MENDELSSOHN in
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Seven species of venomous snakes are found in Israel, six of them belonging to the family Viperidae and one to the family Elapidae. All these species have been kept in captivity in order to collect venom, to study their behaviour and development and to breed them as far as possible. The ecological conditions under which these species live in nature and their distribution in Israel are described. Most species have to live partly or entirely without drinking water and the problem of their water balance is discussed. It was supposed, but could so far not be proved, that the scale-rubbing behaviour of the genera Echis and Aspis is a water saving device.
Of the seven species only Vipera xanthina palaestinae Werner 1938 is described in part I of this paper. This species is the most common of the local venomous snakes and endemic to the area. It must be considered as an euryoecous species, which is found in different biotopes of the northern and central part of Israel and common in rural settlements. Colour, pattern, growth, feeding behaviour and reproduction are described. Contrary to most species of the genus Vipera it is oviparous, resembling in this respect only to two subspecies of Vipera lebetina (Linnaeus) 1776. Up to 22 eggs that hatch after 39–62 days, according to temperature, are laid in one clutch. Copulation takes place in May, oviposition in August. Data on egg development, hatching and growth are given.
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ON THE BIOLOGY OF THE VENOMOUS SNAKES OF ISRAEL: PART I
In: Israel Journal of Ecology and EvolutionSearch for other papers by H. MENDELSSOHN in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Seven species of venomous snakes are found in Israel, six of them belonging to the family Viperidae and one to the family Elapidae. All these species have been kept in captivity in order to collect venom, to study their behaviour and development and to breed them as far as possible. The ecological conditions under which these species live in nature and their distribution in Israel are described. Most species have to live partly or entirely without drinking water and the problem of their water balance is discussed. It was supposed, but could so far not be proved, that the scale-rubbing behaviour of the genera Echis and Aspis is a water saving device.
Of the seven species only Vipera xanthina palaestinae Werner 1938 is described in part I of this paper. This species is the most common of the local venomous snakes and endemic to the area. It must be considered as an euryoecous species, which is found in different biotopes of the northern and central part of Israel and common in rural settlements. Colour, pattern, growth, feeding behaviour and reproduction are described. Contrary to most species of the genus Vipera it is oviparous, resembling in this respect only to two subspecies of Vipera lebetina (Linnaeus) 1776. Up to 22 eggs that hatch after 39–62 days, according to temperature, are laid in one clutch. Copulation takes place in May, oviposition in August. Data on egg development, hatching and growth are given.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 827 | 166 | 41 |
| Full Text Views | 27 | 0 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 49 | 0 | 0 |
