Quivering trees
Printed From: Reptiles and Amphibians of the UK
Category: General
Forum Name: UK Reptiles and Amphibians
Forum Description: A forum for general questions and answers relating to wild reptiles and amphibians in the UK
URL: http://www.herpetofauna.co.uk/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4861
Printed Date: 19 Apr 2024 at 6:13am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 11.06 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Quivering trees
Posted By: Richard2
Subject: Quivering trees
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2014 at 6:52pm
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A friend of mine says he once read about snakes deliberately coiling around saplings and shaking them to frighten off predators. Once, as a child, walking in the New Forest, he and a friend saw a small tree in front of them begin to quiver. They ran for their lives. I was inclined to dismiss this story, but he has a strong memory of reading about the phenomenon. Has anyone heard of anything like it?
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Replies:
Posted By: GemmaJF
Date Posted: 11 Nov 2014 at 7:26pm
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Interesting concept, I've seen both adders and grass snakes enter low bushes when foraging, and they certainly can make a small shrub sway about a bit. I have been drawn to observe snakes because of the movement/sound of dry leaves as they caused a low bush to sway. I would say the idea that it is to frighten predators may be far fetched, suggesting more awareness of the surroundings than I would credit a snake. Though I could easily see that a snake foraging in a bush could be perceived as purposely shaking it by an observer!
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Posted By: GemmaJF
Date Posted: 12 Nov 2014 at 10:07am
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Could it also be linked to tail shaking Richard? It is well developed in several species and particularly the evolution of 'rattles' in crotalinae and sistrurus. One could imagine an agitated snake could shake a nearby bush whilst displaying this behaviour?
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