Wrestling contest

[stkkts]

I am reading a text book for a college herpetology course, and it is discussing a "wrestling contest" between 2 male European Adders (Vipera berus). The fight is a test of strength, with each male trying to press his opponent to the ground.

They only have a drawing of this. Looks kind of like an arm wrestling/sumo match. Has anyone ever seen this in person? Anyone have actual pictures?

[skin78]

mmm I think I can find some pics of that. I had some pics of that when I was young ( not that I am that old lol) and had biology we had a semester about these snakes.. Hope I can find some for ya.


cheers

[Scales Zoo]

We have witnessed this with prairie bullsnakes. We have photos of the ritual combat, I will have to get them scanned for posting

Sheila

[Vanan]

Many snake species have ritualised combat during breeding season. Happens between the males. One group of snakes this is common with are rattlers. Hence why males tend to be bigger, to aid in the sparring. The bigger male wins. Only exception to this rule is the Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes). With them, the females tend to be bigger. Might be because they don't combat. Or the pressure to have more/bigger babies is higher over selecting a large male to breed.

[Jeremy]

I used to have a post card with two male C.atrox doing the dance and they had formed the shape of a heart! My mom says, "look, they are in love!". Imagine her suprise when I told her what sex they were:-)

I have also seem pictures of male D.polylepis and O.hannah engaged in ritulized combat .

Unfortunately, I cant think of were any of these pictures came from besides the post card and I hate to say it but only god knows were I put the damn thing. If I find, I will scan it.

Welp, all the best,
J