Just thought I'd post a lil on bullsnakes and why they're one of my fav NA colubrids. Every pituophis keeper can definitely relate to the "attitude" these guys try to show. And I only mean by showing. Cos they're mostly bluff. Here's what I mean by that.
A typical unhappy bull. Note the enlarged rostral used to dig tunnels of their own. It's funny they even try using it to tunnel out from your hands when holding them.
<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/137bullfrontal1.jpg">
For those of you who haven't met a bullsnake in person ( A p-ed off one that is), you'd have to imagine the noise coming from it. Imagine a rattlesnake during a hot day, at full tilt. And now imagine the sound coming, not from a highly evolved tail appendage, but from hissing alone! Ok maybe not from hissing alone, but more of that later.
Here's why Pituophis, are able to sound louder than other snakes. I've never observed this in person, other than from this one, very cooperative bull. Probably because by own bullsnakes hardly ever hiss as madly. It also could be because, I wasn't looking for it too! Anyways, what you're looking at is a cartilage at the opening of the glottis which vibrates when air is passed over it. This is what amplifies and creates that rasping hiss.
<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/137bullcartilage2.jpg">
And that's what makes this group of snakes so unique. Now say cheese!
<img src="http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/500/137bullcartilage1.jpg">
Vanan
P.S. Forgive the poor quality of pics. Sun wasn't very cooperative that day.
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